A recent study by Johns Hopkins University explored the motivations and attitudes of individuals involved in extramarital affairs. The study, published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior, surveyed users of the website Ashley Madison, a platform specifically designed for extramarital encounters.
The research found that a significant percentage of married individuals (20-25%) and young adults in dating relationships (33-50%) admitted to engaging in infidelity. Surprisingly, participants reported high levels of love for their spouses, indicating that infidelity wasn’t driven by a lack of affection. Instead, low levels of sexual satisfaction were identified as the main motivator, followed by a desire for independence and sexual variety. Notably, traditional relationship problems like a lack of love or anger towards a spouse were rarely mentioned. Interestingly, those who cheated experienced satisfaction, displayed little remorse, and believed their affairs didn’t harm their marriages. These findings challenge the notion that infidelity is always a result of deeper relationship issues, suggesting a need for more comprehensive approaches to counseling and interventions.