A new study performed by researchers at the University of Guelph in Ontario in partner with those at Indiana University looked into various motivations for why couples commit infidelity. The study, involving 918 men and women in monogamous sexual relationships, found that those who are less confident in their sexual performance or are unsure that they are living up to their lovers’ expectations are nearly three times more likely to cheat. This anxiety about performance is a new and interesting addition to the many findings about cheating. The study also confirmed that risk-taking men or men that are easily aroused are also more likely to stray. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to cheat if they are dissatisfied with their current relationship.

Professor Robin Milhausen says that, “taken at face value, this research might seem to just support sexual stereotypes: Women are just concerned about the relationship and, for men, once a cheater, always a cheater, regardless of the relationship. But the caveat is that there are a lot of variants and factors that are not explained here that might impact whether one cheats… The research shows that demographic variables may not influence decision-making as much as previously thought- that personality matters more, especially for men.”

Overall, these findings showcase some light on possible reasons for why so many people commit infidelity. Although it is important to not overemphasize the meaning behind these conclusions, they may be valuable to help solve the cheating crisis and put people back in the monogamous bedroom again.

Have you ever cheated or been cheated on? What do you think the motivation is for most cheaters? Is it simply too hard to be monogamous?

So, do I believe that all men are destined to cheat? Yes and No. Here’s why.

I think everyone – male or female – can be destined to cheat on his or her significant other. I think monogamy is an extremely hard thing to achieve, no matter what gender or age. Monogamy in your 20s is especially difficult; the temptations of college parties, combined with the excessive amounts of booze, plus a heated fight with your bf or gf, can lead to you waking up in the morning thinking, “oh my God!” when you swore to yourself you’d never cheat (trust me, I’ve been there).

But do I think men are more inclined to cheat than women? Well, that depends. Personally, I think men and women cheat for different reasons. Men (and I’m not talking ALL men, so you faithful ones, don’t get your boxer briefs in a twist) cheat because, well, they see a hot piece of ass and want to pounce. Men cheat because they feel an urge (usually in their pantelones) and want to act on that urge, with someone who isn’t constantly nagging them about doing this or doing that, as us girlfriends are known to do.

Women, however, cheat because they’re looking for someone to fill a void in their current relationship. Women look for what is missing and, if they feel like they’ve found someone who fills that void, that’s when they act and cheat.

Now, do I think men may be more likely to cheat than women? Yes I do. When it comes to cheating guys, there are the bad eggs everywhere; being able to weed out the good from the bad (mostly done so by learning the hard way) is when you’ll find the honest, faithful, and commitment-ready males we all know and love.

What do you think? Do men cheat more than women?

[photo from womansavers.com]