5 Personality Traits Cheaters Have, According to Science

Cheating is complex. In many cases, it’s about more than opportunity. What actually makes someone cheat? Research has found that specific personality traits are linked to an increased risk of having an affair.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the personality traits that science has linked to cheating.

1. Narcissism

It might not come as any surprise to learn that narcissistic traits like entitlement, grandiosity, and a need for admiration are strong predictors of cheating.

Multiple studies have found that people who display narcissistic personality traits are more likely to cheat and less likely to stay committed to their partners. Having an affair is self-serving for them. It gives them an ego boost, affirms their desirability, and enhances feelings of grandiose self-esteem.

It’s also worth noting that narcissists tend to value loyalty from their partners while excusing their own cheating.

2. Machiavellianism (a.k.a. Manipulativeness)

Research has found that people who possessed three traits, known as Dark Triad traits, were more likely to have affairs. In addition to narcissism, those traits were machiavellianism and psychopathy.

Machiavellianism is often defined as manipulativeness. People with this personality trait also tend to be deceitful, willing to exploit others for their own gain, pragmatic, and ruthless. This term is often used to describe politicians. And it’s not a good trait to have in relationships.

One study found that those who had higher Dark Triad scores had experiences or perceptions of infidelity. Other research found that people who were manipulative (and narcissistic) were more likely to take notice of other people while they were in a committed relationship.

The takeaway? Being manipulative puts people at a higher risk of cheating.

3. Impulsivity

Impulsivity is another personality trait that has been linked to cheating, which should come as no surprise. Impulsive people tend to act without considering the consequences of their actions and struggle with self-control.

Related traits, such as low conscientiousness, low dependability, and poor self-control, are also commonly linked to cheating.

People who are less able to control their impulses and delay gratification are more likely to cheat than others.

4. Low Empathy

Empathy plays a key role in the decisions we make. Those who are unable to understand how others feel are less likely to take their feelings into account when making decisions. This includes the decision to be unfaithful.

Lack of empathy is such a strong predictor of cheating that one study even found that empathetic people were less likely to cheat even when they were narcissistic.

5. Disagreeability

Less agreeable people are more likely to cheat on their partners, according to research. This is because disagreeable people generally are cold, unfriendly, and don’t take anyone else’s feelings into account.

The Bottom Line

Keep in mind that having one or more of these personality traits doesn’t necessarily mean that someone will cheat. Someone might be impulsive and have a lot of empathy, for example. When research shows there’s a link, it doesn’t guarantee that you will be cheated on.

That being said, it’s good to have self-awareness and recognize your own personality traits and how they may affect your relationships. It’s also good to be aware of whether your partner possesses many of these personality traits. While there’s no guarantee that they’re a cheater, there is always a possibility.

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This post was previously published on medium.com.