Showing empathy and adopting the point of view of your partner would strengthen the bond and avoid infidelity in the couple, according to a recent study.
- Being around unfaithful people could make us cheat on our partner.
- To resist temptation, it is advisable to ignore someone you find attractive.
“People enter relationships with the intention of maintaining sexual exclusivity, but often they fail to do so. Existing research has focused on the individual and relationship characteristics that make relationships more vulnerable to sexual abuse. infidelity, paying less attention to solutions that lessen the likelihood of misguidance”, said researchers from Reichman University (Israel).
Infidelity: 3 experiments to assess the benefits of putting others in perspective
In a study published in the journal The Journal of Sex Researchthey wanted to know if the beneficial effects of taking a step back extended to “the regulation of reactions to one’s own potentially destructive behavior”. Specifically, in three experiments, researchers attempted to determine whether adopting one’s partner’s point of view helped people in romantic relationships resist temptations and strengthen the bond with their partner.
In the experiments, adults were randomly assigned to adopt their partner’s point of view or not. Then, they met or saw photos of strangers deemed to be attractive. “Participants’ relationship orientation and their reactions during these experiences (interest in current partners and strangers, commitment to current relationships, fantasies) were recorded,” can we read in the works.
Take a step back to put yourself in your partner’s shoes
According to the results, adopting the point of view of one’s partner leads to a reduction in sexual and romantic interest in strangers, while increasing commitment and desire for current partners. “Standing back can foster empathy for the potential pain of one’s partner. As a result, people are likely to interpret their situation in a way that allows them to avoid hurting their partner and jeopardizing their relationship. When such situations involve a conflict between the attraction of other people and the goal of maintaining the current relationship, taking a step back can tip the scales in favor of long-term considerations rather than short-term pleasures, thus helping people to resolve this conflict in a way that preserves the relationship”, said, to Psychology TodayGurit E. Birnbaum, author of the study.
