Being around unfaithful people could make us cheat on our partner, according to an Israeli study.
- Volunteers who had read stories of extramarital affairs were more likely to consider strangers as potential partners.
- Men were more likely to send suggestive messages than women.
Be careful, infidelity can be caught! This was revealed by scientists from Reichman University in Israel. To reach this discovery, they carried out a study, the results of which were published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior. “Research on the factors of infidelity has primarily focused on the individual and relationship characteristics that make relationships vulnerable, paying less attention to external circumstances that increase the likelihood of straying,” they indicated.
Participants were exposed to cheating behavior
As part of the work, they were interested in the different causes of adultery. To carry out the study, the team carried out three experiments. Participants involved in a romantic relationship were exposed to other people’s cheating behavior and then either thought of attractive strangers or met them. Their perceptions and reactions during these experiences were recorded.
Romantic relationship: rubbing shoulders with unfaithful people encourages them to be too
According to research, people who were exposed to cheating behavior were less likely to be committed to their relationship. Clearly, they were more inclined to cheat on their partner. “These findings suggest that exposure to adultery decreases awareness of long-term relationship maintenance priorities, thereby reducing resistance to temptation,” concluded the authors.
