Once a Cheater, Always a Cheater: The Science Behind Infidelity
Once a cheater, always a cheater: understanding the science behind infidelity. The idea that “once a cheater, always a cheater” has lingered for generations, with many believing that individuals who cheat once are likely to cheat again.
Recent research suggests this notion may hold some truth, providing evidence that habitual cheaters often follow a pattern of unfaithfulness.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Statistics show that infidelity is a significant issue in relationships today. Around 40 percent of unmarried couples and 25 percent of married couples admit to experiencing cheating.
A study from 2018 further revealed that individuals who have cheated in the past are three times more likely to do it again. These numbers suggest that once a cheater, the pattern may continue.
Is Infidelity Ingrained in Our DNA?
It turns out, chronic cheaters may not just be acting on impulse or poor judgment; certain genetic traits could be influencing their behavior.
Researchers have identified a gene variation called DRD4 VNTR, often referred to as the ‘thrill-seeking’ gene, which could explain a person’s tendency to cheat.
This gene is linked to how sensitive someone’s brain is to dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical. People with this variation may need more stimulation to feel satisfied.
This genetic predisposition could explain why some people repeatedly seek new partners, turning to infidelity for excitement, much like those who struggle with alcohol or gambling addictions.
The Role of the Brain in Cheating
The behavior of habitual cheaters may not just be about desire but also about how their brains react to certain situations. In a fascinating study, habitual cheaters were asked to identify differences between two nearly identical photos.
Even though only one or two differences existed, many cheaters claimed they spotted three. Brain scans during this exercise revealed something intriguing: when cheaters lied, areas of their brains associated with reward-seeking behavior lit up.
This suggests that the act of dishonesty itself can be pleasurable for habitual cheaters, providing them with the excitement they crave. In fact, brain activity during these moments shows that cheaters are often not fully reflecting on the moral consequences of their actions, instead, their brains are focused on the immediate reward of getting away with dishonesty.
The Pattern of Repeated Infidelity
As research continues, it’s becoming clear that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to cheating. The combination of genetic factors and brain activity points to a cycle that can be hard for habitual cheaters to break.
If a person’s dopamine levels are low or if their brain finds lying rewarding, it might explain why infidelity becomes a repeated pattern in their relationships.
In some cases, cheaters actively pursue new sexual partners, looking for the rush and excitement of the forbidden.
For them, the relationship’s stability might take a backseat to the constant need for stimulation and novelty. This pattern can lead to cycles of cheating, apologies, and eventual cheating again.
Can It Be Fixed?
While the pattern of repeated infidelity might seem inevitable for some, there is hope for change. Acknowledging the role of genetic traits and brain activity in cheating could lead to more effective treatments and counseling.
Therapy aimed at helping individuals reflect on the deeper emotional and psychological needs driving their behavior could be a step toward breaking the cycle.
