Why Do Men Cheat According to Psychology?

20.11.2025 - 15:38

Source: https://onedio.com/haber/psikolojiye-gor...

Infidelity is one of the most heatedly debated topics in relationships and often, it cannot be attributed to a single cause. According to psychology, the motivations behind men's infidelity stretch from emotional needs to personal traumas. There's a different psychological process underlying each behavior. Some men choose this path because they feel worthless, while others do so in an attempt to compensate for what's lacking in their relationship.

Let's delve deeper into these reasons, which are grounded in scientific studies...

Numerous studies suggest that infidelity cannot be solely accounted for by physical attraction.

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According to psychology, many men start seeking external validation when they feel 'unseen', 'unheard', or 'unappreciated' in a relationship. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent among individuals with low self-esteem. Turning to outside admiration and attention to feel valued provides a temporary boost to the ego. However, as this satisfaction is fleeting, the cycle often repeats itself.

Moreover, the dopamine effect of being admired by someone new plays a significant role. The brain perceives the interest of a new person as an exciting gain. This feeling can potentially evolve into a behavior cycle similar to addiction. In relationships where emotional intimacy is lacking, this external motivation is felt more intensely, and some men may cross boundaries.

Experts emphasize that infidelity is not just a matter of desire, but also hinges upon opportunity.

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Individuals with weak oversight mechanisms struggle to accurately assess risks. Factors such as alcohol-infused environments, covert work arrangements, or societal normalization of this behavior, increase the likelihood of deception. In psychology, this is referred to as 'opportunity-based cheating.'

Simultaneously, attachment theory also plays a significant role. Men with an avoidant attachment style may seek emotional escape routes due to their fear of intimacy within a relationship. Childhood experiences of neglect, emotional deprivation, or abandonment can influence relationship dynamics in adulthood.

Unresolved disputes, communication breakdowns, and emotional distance are significant triggers for infidelity.

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Some men, rather than confronting their problems, opt to run away, and this escape sometimes manifests through a third party. Feeling that the relationship has run its course, a weakening of commitment, or the increasing burden of marital routine are among the risk factors. According to psychologists, many instances of infidelity actually stem not from the relationship, but from the individual's inner conflicts.

Moreover, for some men, infidelity can evolve into a quest for identity. The responsibilities of daily life, work pressure, and the burden created by marital roles can make a person feel as though they've lost their once-free self.