Revenge in Relationships: Why Women are More Prone to Infidelity for Retaliation?

Psychologists from Australia conducted a study aimed at uncovering the primary factors influencing the predisposition to infidelity in relationships. Their findings, published in the journal Sexual and Relationship Therapy, offer a new perspective on the motivation of women who cheat on their partners.

The study, involving 240 participants aged 18 to 67, focused on characteristics from the so-called "dark triad" of personality traits, including narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism. Individuals scoring high on the "psychopathy scale" were found to be more prone to sexual and emotional infidelity. Particularly intriguing was the combination of psychopathy and sadism, predisposing individuals to infidelity as an act of revenge. Narcissists, on the other hand, tended towards emotional infidelity, while Machiavellians did not significantly influence the desire to cheat on a partner.

1. Sexual and emotional infidelity are associated with psychopathy. Those with high scores on the "psychopathy scale" are more likely to engage in sexual and emotional infidelity, possibly linked to their selfish and impulsive behavior.

2. The combination of psychopathy and sadism leads to malicious infidelity. Individuals exhibiting sadistic traits in conjunction with psychopathy are inclined towards infidelity as an act of revenge, potentially aiming to inflict emotional pain on their partners.

3. Narcissists choose emotional infidelity. Individuals with pronounced narcissism are more inclined towards emotional infidelity, possibly driven by their desire for attention and satisfaction of their needs.

4. Female tendency towards malicious infidelity. The study revealed that malicious infidelity, i.e., cheating as an act of revenge, is predominantly associated with women. This interesting discovery could contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of infidelity in relationships.

According to the results, women exhibit a tendency towards malicious infidelity regardless of personality traits. In contrast to men, they often use infidelity as a tool for revenge, seeking to inflict emotional pain on their partners.

This study may serve as a foundation for developing approaches to psychological assistance and counseling for those facing fidelity issues in relationships. Understanding the motivation behind infidelity can aid in the development of more effective strategies for strengthening family bonds.