Psychologists have begun to explore how personalities influence the likelihood of extramarital affairs. Research suggests that certain personality traits may make individuals more prone to infidelity, while others may act as protective factors against it. At the same time, however, opportunities for infidelity - such as access to potential partners outside of one's primary relationship - also play a significant role in determining whether an individual will engage in this behavior. This raises the question of how these two variables interact with each other to predict whether someone is likely to have an affair.
One important aspect of personality that has been linked to infidelity is narcissism. Individuals who score high on measures of narcissism tend to be more self-centered, entitled, and lacking in empathy for others. They are also often driven by their own needs and desires, which can lead them to prioritize their own gratification over the needs of their partner. As a result, they may be more likely to seek out relationships or sexual encounters outside of their primary relationship when the opportunity arises.
The extent to which this is true depends on the availability of such opportunities. If there are no accessible alternatives available, even highly narcissistic individuals may not engage in infidelity.
Another personality trait that has been associated with infidelity is impulsivity. Impulsive individuals tend to act without thinking through the consequences of their actions and may be more likely to take risks and pursue immediate rewards. They may therefore be more likely to act on sudden urges or impulses to engage in extramarital affairs.
If there are few opportunities for such behaviors, even highly impulsive individuals may not be able to engage in them.
Certain protective factors against infidelity have been identified. One such factor is conscientiousness, which involves being organized, disciplined, and responsible. Conscientious individuals tend to be less likely to engage in risky or impulsive behavior and may be more concerned about the long-term consequences of their actions. Therefore, they may be less likely to engage in infidelity even if given the opportunity. Another protective factor is agreeableness, which involves being friendly, cooperative, and empathetic towards others. Individuals who score high on measures of agreeableness may be more likely to prioritize the needs of their partner over their own desires and may feel a greater sense of obligation to stay faithful.
While both personality traits and opportunities for infidelity can influence whether someone will engage in this behavior, the extent to which they do so depends on the availability of those opportunities. In contexts where extramarital partnerships are common or easy to access, individuals with certain personality traits - particularly narcissism and impulsivity - may be more likely to engage in affairs. Conversely, in contexts where these opportunities are limited, even highly narcissistic or impulsive individuals may be less likely to act on their urges. This highlights the importance of understanding how individual differences intersect with environmental factors in shaping behaviors like infidelity.
How does opportunity interact with personality traits in predicting affairs?
In terms of personalities, opportunity may influence them by providing an individual with a chance to act on their impulses, desires, and urges that they may have repressed for some time due to social, cultural, religious, or ethical factors. This creates an environment where one's personality traits are more likely to manifest in certain situations, especially if those traits involve risk-taking, adventure-seeking, and exploration.