The 5 Biggest Predictors of Cheating (According to Science)

When you get cheated on, it can bring about many emotions and questions. One of the most common things you may wonder is, “Why did they cheat?”

Although it can feel like a mystery, the reality is that cheating is actually fairly predictable. Research has identified several factors that increase the odds of cheating.

Let’s take a closer look at the five biggest predictors of cheating, according to science.

1. They’re Unhappy in the Relationship

It might almost seem too obvious, but when someone isn’t happy in their relationship, they’re more likely to cheat.

Multiple studies have found that low relationship satisfaction is one of the strongest predictors of cheating. Low levels of relationship satisfaction, romantic love, and sexual satisfaction were all found to be strongly linked to cheating, according to one study.

The takeaway? A lot of the time, the reason people cheat is that something is missing in their relationship. They’re craving the physical or emotional connection that they’re not getting from their partner.

2. Their Past Involves A Lot of Short-Term Relationships

A study of more than 200 newlywed couples looked for behavioral and relationship predictors of infidelity. The researchers found that our past relationship history can be telling.

The study revealed that men who had been in many short-term sexual relationships before marriage were more likely to cheat.

While the researchers don’t provide a reason for this, several possible explanations exist. The people who fall into this category likely feel less committed to a relationship, and they may also find more thrill in new experiences than in stable, long-term relationships.

The takeaway? A person’s past sexual history can predict whether or not they’ll cheat.

3. They Have Certain Personality Traits

People with certain personality traits are more likely to have an affair. Research has found that people with the following traits are more likely to cheat:

Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy
Low conscientiousness
High impulsivity
High extraversion

The takeaway? Our personalities can increase our chances of cheating. It all comes down to how we deal with ego, stress, communication, and adventure.

(To read more about how these personality traits relate to cheating, check out 5 Personality Traits Cheaters Have, According to Science).

4. They Have Plenty of Opportunities to Cheat

When it comes to cheating, it’s not always about intent. It’s about access. Sometimes, it all comes down to being in the wrong place at the right time.

Research has found that people who have access to meeting other potential partners through the workplace or social networking are more likely to have an affair.

The takeaway? The more often people are exposed to temptation, the harder it becomes to resist it.

5. They Think They Have More to Offer Than Their Partners Do

This risk factor of cheating is complicated. It can be incredibly painful, but… It’s real.

Research has found that people who believe they’re more desirable than their significant others are more likely to intentionally cheat. This especially applies to men, who have been found to be more likely to have an affair when they rate their partner as less attractive.

The takeaway? When someone thinks they “can do better,” they’re more likely to actively seek out other options.

So, Is Cheating Predictable?

The reality is that cheating can be easy to predict. Researchers believe that it tends to follow certain patterns, often involving relationship dissatisfaction, personality traits, access to other options, and perceived desirability.

But just because it can be easy for researchers to predict doesn’t mean that it’s any less blindsiding or painful when it happens. If you suspect your partner is cheating, it’s important to listen to your gut — and consider reevaluating your relationship. It’s important to feel a sense of security and stability in your relationship. You deserve to be with someone who makes you feel worthy, not someone who makes you question if they’re having an affair.

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This post was previously published on medium.com.