Why Some Men in Unhappy Relationships May Become More Accepting of Infidelity, Study Suggests
A new study published in Sexual and Relationship Therapy suggests that men in unsatisfying relationships are more likely than women to view infidelity as acceptable, particularly if they are already comfortable with casual sex. The findings indicate that low relationship quality, unrestricted sociosexuality, and permissive attitudes toward cheating are closely linked.
The research, titled “The Entwined Nature of Infidelity and Relationship Quality: Parallels in Theory and Practice Through a Moderated Mediation Analysis,” suggests that infidelity is rarely the result of a single moral failing. Instead, the findings point to a complex interaction between personality traits, relationship satisfaction, and broader social influences that shape how people think about faithfulness.
Modern relationship research often relies on the investment model of commitment to explain why some partners remain loyal while others become more vulnerable to infidelity. According to this framework, relationship satisfaction, perceived relationship quality, and the attractiveness of alternative partners work together to influence commitment. When those needs are no longer being met, seeking fulfillment outside the relationship may become more appealing.
What psychologists mean by sociosexuality
Psychologists use the term sociosexual orientation to describe how comfortable a person is with sexual relationships that do not involve emotional commitment. Individuals with an unrestricted sociosexual orientation tend to be more open to casual sex, while those with a restricted orientation usually prefer long-term, emotionally close relationships before becoming sexually involved.
Researchers typically assess sociosexuality across three dimensions: previous sexual behavior, current attitudes toward casual sex, and ongoing desire for uncommitted sexual relationships. Earlier studies have linked a more unrestricted sociosexual orientation with a greater likelihood of infidelity. The new research sought to determine how this personality trait interacts with everyday relationship quality.
How the study was conducted
The study was led by Kashish Pandey of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and included 303 adults from the Delhi region. The sample consisted of 135 men and 168 women between the ages of 18 and 65, although most participants were in their late teens or early twenties. Participants reported being in a variety of relationship arrangements, including dating, cohabiting, and casual relationships.
All participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire. They filled out the Revised Sociosexual Orientation Inventory, which measures attitudes toward casual sex and previous sexual behavior, along with a nine-item questionnaire assessing satisfaction with their current relationship.
The researchers also used the Attitude Towards Infidelity Scale to measure participants' moral and emotional views about cheating. By comparing scores across all three questionnaires, the researchers examined how relationship quality, sociosexual orientation, and attitudes toward infidelity were connected.
Lower relationship quality was linked to greater acceptance of cheating
Statistical analyses showed that participants who reported lower-quality relationships were generally more likely to view infidelity as acceptable. However, this relationship was not direct. Instead, it was explained by sociosexual orientation.
Participants who were less satisfied with their relationships were more likely to report a more unrestricted attitude toward casual sex, and this openness, in turn, predicted greater acceptance of infidelity.
Men and women showed different patterns
The relationship between dissatisfaction, sociosexuality, and attitudes toward cheating was stronger among men than women. Men reported higher average levels of unrestricted sociosexuality and, when dissatisfied with their relationships, were more likely to view alternative partners as acceptable.
The researchers interpret these findings using both evolutionary and social perspectives. Sexual strategies theory proposes that men historically benefited more from multiple mating opportunities, whereas women generally faced greater reproductive costs and therefore evolved to be more selective in choosing partners.
The authors also note that cultural expectations likely contribute to these differences. In many societies, men experience fewer social consequences for promiscuity, while women often face stronger stigma and reputational costs. Women may also encounter greater family, legal, or physical risks if infidelity becomes known.
Important limitations
The researchers caution that the study cannot establish cause and effect because it captured participants' experiences at only one point in time. It remains possible that unrestricted sociosexuality contributes to declining relationship satisfaction rather than dissatisfaction leading to changes in attitudes toward infidelity.
The authors also emphasize that attitudes do not necessarily translate into behavior. Many people who privately view extrarelational sex as acceptable never engage in infidelity because of personal values, religious beliefs, or practical considerations.
Future studies following couples over longer periods may help clarify how relationship satisfaction, sociosexual orientation, and infidelity influence one another over time.
What the findings could mean
The findings may offer useful insights for therapists and relationship counselors. Understanding a person's sociosexual orientation could help tailor interventions when relationship satisfaction begins to decline. Addressing communication problems, unmet emotional needs, and mismatched expectations early may reduce the temptation to seek fulfillment outside the relationship.
The researchers also note that dating apps and digital communication have dramatically expanded opportunities to meet potential partners. For people with a more unrestricted sociosexual orientation, this constant availability of alternatives may interact with relationship dissatisfaction in ways that increase the appeal of infidelity.
Although additional research is needed, the study suggests that attitudes toward cheating are shaped by more than relationship satisfaction alone. Instead, they appear to emerge from a complex interaction between personality, relationship dynamics, and the broader social environment, highlighting the importance of understanding both individual differences and relationship context when studying fidelity.
