New research shows that personality differences play a role in determining who is likely to cheat on a partner.
There are several interesting things about the findings. Psychopathy (lack of empathy for others) and Machiavellianism (lacking emotions and being manipulative in nature) are both linked to infidelity. However, there are some interesting sex differences at play.
“Among women, however, only psychopathy and Machiavellianism were unique predictors of infidelity, whereas only psychopathy uniquely predicted infidelity among men. However, infidelity committed by psychopathic individuals led to relationship dissolution, whereas infidelity committed by Machiavellian individuals did not.”
In short, men, who lack empathy and concerns for others, are more likely to cheat and not be concerned about the consequences that follow. Women, who are manipulative and emotionally aloof, are also more likely to cheat, but probably attempt to cover their infidelity better than psychopathic men.
It is always good to get to know the person you are dealing with before becoming romantically involved.
Source: Jones, D. N., & Weiser, D. A. (2014). Differential infidelity patterns among the Dark Triad. Personality and Individual Differences, 57, 20-24.
