Study on infidelity shows patterns of behaviour before affairs begin

A new study on infidelity has identified patterns of behaviour that occur before affairs even begin.

The report, titled 'Estranged and Unhappy? Examining the Dynamics of Personal and Relationship Well-Being Surrounding Infidelity' has been published in Psychological Science.

In a longitudinal study, Tilburg University surveyed 947 adults in Germany comprised of 609 perpetrators of infidelity and 338 victims, over the course of eight years.

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"Infidelity is largely believed to have damaging consequences for personal and relationship well-being," the report states.

While the consequences of infidelity were expected, it was reports of declining well-being before affairs began that surprised researchers.

Participants who cheated were asked about "life satisfaction and self-esteem" ahead of their affairs.

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"Both perpetrators and victims of infidelity experienced a decrease in relationship satisfaction and admiration and an increase in relationship conflict prior to infidelity events (perpetrators additionally experienced a decrease in intimacy before they reported having cheated on their partner)," the study stated.

"By showing that well-being starts to decline before infidelity happens, this study provides a differentiated view on the temporal dynamics of infidelity," researchers added.

They suggested cheating could be a measure of the state of a relationship that is already in decline although they added that these results are "inconclusive," with more research required.