Infidelity is the breach of trust and an act of betrayal in a committed relationship. It is a common experience in romantic relationships that affects both partners.

Infidelity can cause emotional pain, jeopardize the foundation of a relationship, and even lead to breakups or divorce.

In recent times, there has been a lot of research about infidelity in long-term relationships to provide insights into this issue. In this article, we will discuss the frequency of infidelity in long-term relationships based on research studies.

What is Infidelity?

Infidelity is any behavior or action that violates the mutually accepted agreements in a committed relationship.

It can be physical or emotional, and it includes having sexual relations, emotional affairs, sexting, kissing, flirting, or developing a close connection with someone outside the established relationship.

Infidelity impacts both partners differently. For the partner who cheats, it can lead to feelings of guilt, regret, shame, and anxiety. Meanwhile, the partner who is betrayed feels devastated, hurt, angry, depressed, and even lost.

Infidelity Statistics in Long-Term Relationships

Research studies have shown varying rates of infidelity in long-term relationships. However, the prevalence of infidelity is dependent on many factors such as age, culture, gender, sexual orientation, and relationship dynamics.

A survey by the Institute for Family Studies in the United States indicates that between 16 and 22% of married couples have cheated on their partners.

The figures for cohabitating couples reach about 32 to 37%, which is slightly higher than married couples.

The General Social Survey, based on the analysis of the responses of 64,000 participants in the United States, found that approximately 20% of men and 13% of women admitted to having extramarital affairs.

It also indicated that individuals in monogamous relationships are more likely to cheat than those in open ones.

The research showed that infidelity is more prevalent among younger couples, with respondents in their 20s and early 30s recording higher figures than older couples.

However, studies suggest that infidelity decreases with age as couples become more committed and secure in their relationships.

The Occurrence of Infidelity in Long-Term Relationships

Infidelity can occur at any point within a long-term relationship. However, it is more likely to happen when couples face certain challenges.

For example, infidelity rates rise when couples struggle financially, when one of them experiences a major life change like a new job or the birth of a child, or when conflicts like poor communication, disagreements, and lack of intimacy arise in the relationship.

Research has shown that infidelity is not just limited to physical acts. Emotional affairs, which involve developing emotional bonds with someone outside the relationship, can be just as significant a betrayal as sexual affairs.

Emotional infidelity can occur when partners share intimate details about themselves, engage in more time and energy with someone outside the relationship, or when they use social media for emotional support, which eventually erodes the trust between them.

Why do People Engage in Infidelity?

Infidelity is a complex issue with no clear-cut answer to why people cheat on their partners. Several factors contribute to infidelity. These are:.

: 1. Lack of Emotional Connection

Studies have shown that people cheat when they lack a deep emotional connection with their partners. When partners do not feel heard, valued, or appreciated, they may find themselves seeking emotional fulfillment elsewhere.

: 2. Dissatisfaction in the Relationship

Infidelity may stem from feelings of dissatisfaction in a relationship. When couples feel like their partner is not meeting their emotional or physical needs, they may turn to someone else to fulfill those needs.

: 3. Low Self-Esteem

Individuals with low self-esteem often seek validation from outside sources. As a result, they may be more vulnerable to infidelity because they need someone else to make them feel attractive or important.

: 4. Opportunity

Infidelity can happen when individuals have the opportunity to cheat. This could be in situations where couples live far apart, or when one partner travels frequently, providing an opportunity for the other partner to cheat.

It could also be workplace affairs, which are prevalent, especially when couples work long hours and feel isolated from their partners.

Conclusion

Infidelity in long-term relationships is a reality that can have significant emotional and psychological ramifications for both partners.

Research studies have shown that infidelity rates differ among different populations but that it can happen in any relationship, dependent on several factors. Factors that lead to infidelity include lack of emotional connection, dissatisfaction in the relationship, low self-esteem, and an opportunity to cheat.

Avoiding infidelity requires a deep understanding of why it happens and the steps necessary to prevent it.

Couples should focus on building strong emotional connections, communicate their needs, and work together to solve challenges that arise in their relationships.