More Research on Infidelity

Both males and females want to each contribute to the growth of their species by seeking out "high quality" mates. Evolutionary psychologists suggest that men are typically more likely to cheat on their wives, because of man's urge to "spread genes" through their sperm.

Men are more driven to be unfaithful by the lure of sex, and women due to lack of emotional intimacy. Over the years the percentage of cheating women is becoming greater. As women become more financially stable, and become less dependent on men, women are finding it easier to be anonymous. Thus, the convenience of cheating is more acceptable to some women. Still, in 2006 surveys showed that 90 percent of Americans view extramarital sex as unacceptable behaviour.

The area of the brain dedicated to sex is three times larger in men than in woman. According to Psychologist Sophie Rinaldi, there are not only biological reasons as to why infidelity is common in men, but there are also several psychological reasons as well. One common result of infidelity is that of men who suffered trauma as young children. This trauma experienced by men occurs generally within the relationship between mother and son when they did not receive the wanted love/affection from their mothers. This can lead to men seeking out this love/attention in every woman they come across in order to fill this void from their childhood. When these traumas are combined with sexual instinct a "Don-Juan" type personality develops, which is an on going journey, searching for something unknown to himself, unable to maintain healthy relationships for fear of suffering the same pain he felt as a child.

Men can also feel unsure of their masculinity- Resulting in them seeking to be reassured with another female. When men feel manipulated or talked down to they can feel a sense of "lost power"." They strive to regain this power through engaging in sexual acts of the "unknown." According to Psychologist Sophia Rinaldi, Sex means validation-of masculinity, of the seduction force, sex means power.

I still feel that based on the research that I have done that most of the evidence (be it biological or psychological) is being justified. I'm starting to think that acceptance is the key to relationships. I am trying to keep an open mind through this process. The more research I do I can understand why men are not as monogamous as women, but by no means do I believe women are perfect. It's amazing to me to learn just how many women are cheaters as well. Here all this time I thought it was just men. Sorry guys. I buy the psychological explanations. I'm not sure I buy the biological explanations. Which is why much more research is required for this topic. Why wouldn't it be a valid excuse for women to cheat as well due to the fact that they would like to have several "high quality mates?" The more I think about it the more I like the idea of having several different little Brad Pits and Ben Aflecks running around. I'm curious to hear some feedback on what others think about this topic. If anyone else has some reliable research sources it would be appreciated.







Cited works below.
Why Men Cheat
The Biology and Psychology of Cheating