Relationship satisfaction is a key factor that can influence whether a person decides to remain faithful in their relationship or seek out romantic alternatives elsewhere. It has been established through numerous studies that people who are unsatisfied with their current relationships are more likely to stray from them and indulge in extramarital affairs. When individuals feel dissatisfaction towards their partners, they may become frustrated and look for ways to fulfill their emotional needs outside of the relationship.
It is not just the level of dissatisfaction that plays a role in infidelity; rather, the type of dissatisfaction also matters.
Those who are dissatisfied with their partner's behavior, communication skills, or lack of attention may be more prone to engage in extramarital activities than those who are unhappy with their physical attributes.
Researchers have found that certain personality traits such as narcissism, low self-esteem, and impulsivity may increase an individual's risk of cheating even if they are satisfied with their relationship.
In addition to relationship satisfaction, other factors such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status can also play a part in predicting infidelity risk. Studies have shown that younger couples tend to be more open to extramarital activities compared to older ones, while women are less inclined to cheat than men. Moreover, people from higher income brackets are generally more tolerant of cheating than those from lower economic backgrounds. While these variables may affect an individual's tendency to commit adultery, relationship satisfaction remains a significant factor.
While there is no one definitive reason behind why people decide to cheat on their partners, relationship satisfaction is certainly one of the most crucial elements that can determine whether someone will remain faithful or seek out alternatives. By understanding this concept, individuals can work towards improving their relationships and avoid temptations from outside sources.
How does relationship satisfaction predict infidelity risk?
Research has shown that individuals who report lower levels of satisfaction in their romantic relationships are more likely to engage in extramarital affairs (e. g. , Brotto & Gorzalka, 2015). This suggests that feelings of dissatisfaction with one's current partner may play an important role in increasing the likelihood of seeking out alternative partners outside of the marriage or committed relationship.