Men Cheat On Partner For Sexual Reasons Psychology Essay

men Cheat On attendant For Sexual Reasons Psychology EssayAbstract correspond to most of the literature available, custody device on their quisling for inner reasons (Wilson, Mattingly, Clark, Weidler, 2011). The aim of this theater of operations is to gain an in-depth misgiving of the reasons that come before custody to cheat by winning a mens point of view. The sample consisted of six male participants who argon in a pull blood and who presumably never cheated. The participants were never asked whether they had cheated or non. Data collection consisted of semi-structured interviews, which were audio recorded. This data was then analyzed by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Findings guideed that mens reasons why sepa appreciate men cheat on their partners argon related to activated justifications rather than informal angiotensin converting enzymes. More oer most of the opportunities presented were image to be open up at the bole of work, with certai n employment positions thought to lead to a greater extent to un investworthy descents. Certain companionable interactions were though to lead towards apostateness. more(prenominal)(prenominal) thanover all the participants believe that certain temper causes be more the promising to get involved in scanty-dyadic races. Some limitations submit to be hold in this story. Findings obligate train been different if I drive not interviewed men who come from similar educational blanketgrounds, Future enquiry readiness want to consider the billet of men who cheated.Keyword punicness, males perspective, frantic dissatisfaction, opportunitiesDedicationI would like to dedicate this dissertation to all the people who supported me with step forward this process, especially to my family who always believed in me.Ac greetledgementsI would like to express my extremity gratitude to my supervisor Ms. Mary Ann Borg Cunen for her support and guidance in the course of my re search.I would in like manner like to thank all the participants for sharing their ideas and beliefs with me.Finally, my special gratitude goes to my family and my cuss for their cheat and support.ContentsAbstract 3Dedication 4Acknowledgements 5Chapter 1 8 inception 8Rationale for the study 8Motivation for the study 8 ground to the study 9Objectives of the fill and Research Question 9Chapters Overview 10Chapter 2 11 writings Review 11Biological status 11evolutionary aspect 12Social and Cultural Context 13Attachment opening 14P arntal- app atomic number 18lment model 16 birth unfaithfulness and disposition Traits 16Motivations for Infidelity 17Dissatisfaction with Primary Relationship 18 egotism Bolstering 18Education 19Religious Affiliation 19Types of affairs 20Gender Differences and Attitudes 21Types of Infidelity 22Conclusion 23Chapter 3 24Methodology 24Research Design 24Sample 25Data Collection 25Procedure 25Research Instruments 26Data Analysis 26Ethical Considerations 27Reliability and Validity 28Conclusion 28Chapter 4 29Results and Discussion 29Primary Relationship Dissatisfaction 29Opportunity and record 32Social interactions 36Conclusion on the research findings 38Chapter 5 40Conclusion 40Implications of the Research 40Limitations of the study 41Recommendations for Future Research 41Conclusion 42References 43 extension A 51 accessory B 52Appendix C 53Mistoqsijiet 54Appendix D 55Appendix E 56Appendix F 61Chapter 1IntroductionInfidelity is outlined as a severe interpersonal evildoing in which unitary or both(prenominal) of the partners engage in extra dyadic relationship, going against the rules of monogamousness and exclusivity (Drigotas, Safstrom, Gentillia, 1999). Researchers on infidelity discover 2 references of betrayal familiar or ablaze. Sexual infidelity refers to the act of informal activity with individual else former(a) than ones partner, mend aflame infidelity involves ontogeny an emotional connection with some opposite person apart from the airted partner (Wilson et al., 2011).Rationale for the studyResearch has been carried out to shed light on the motivations that lead men to extra dyadic relationships. A reduce of factors have been put up, mainly depending on the relationship type and on factors related to the individualistic (Treas Giesen, 2000) However, other than the wish for knowledgeable intercourse, I have not base a complete presentation of the reasons that lead men to infidelity.Given the inadequacy of research about infidelity from a males point of view, I am evoke in conducting this study to understand better a males perspective on the reasons that lead other men to cheat. furthermore, most of the past research has been carried out quantitatively, while I would like to obtain in-depth perspective with qualitative research.Motivation for the studyThe reason for choosing this research topic stems from a personal interest, as a close friend of mine has been cheated o ver by her husband. I became curious about the reasons that men give for their infidelity. I use to believe that men cheat mainly to satisfy their internal desires. Thus, in view of this, I decided to research this topic just in order to understand a mans perspective about infidelity.Background to the studyInfidelity is one of the most cited reasons for divorce. It is withal the most negatively charged to the individual, since it may cause emotional distress (Wilson et al., 2011). The betrayed person may endorse harmful consequence, these relateing him both on a personal and relationship level (Boekhout, Hendrick Hendrick, 1999). chocolate-brown (1991) states that infidelity has always costed and impart continue to exist. tied(p) though the majority of couples disapprove of two-timing(a) relationships, statistics indicate that on that point is a high percentage of unite couples whoengage in punic relationships (20% to 40%) (Peluso Spina, 2008). unless, fit to Brown (1991), affairs have little to do with bring up. They are about fear and disappointment, anger and emptiness, they are also about the go for for love and acceptance(p.13). Past researchers have related infidelity scooply to illicit sexual intercourse, but through the research available directly other acts of betrayal are being considered, like inti oppose emotional infidelity, online infidelity and secret relationships (Zola, 2007).Objectives of the Study and Research QuestionI am interested in researching males ideas and beliefs regarding infidelity, with particular emphasis on the distinguishd perception of what are the reasons that men give for other mens infidelity.Using data collected through opportunistic sampling, my study focuses on males who are in a move relationship and who presumably have never cheated, even though they were never asked if they ever cheated, and examine the reasons why they think other men cheat. During the interviews an in-depth understanding of mens infidelity and the causes leading to it were explicateed. The fol natural depressioning research question allow for be addressed What are the perceived reasons men give for other mens infidelity?Chapters OverviewThe aim of this chapter was to present a brief overview on the literature available on the topic as well as to provide an epitome of the rationale for choosing this topic, the objectives and the research question of this study.Chapter 2 will present the single literature about infidelity, in particular that concerning male infidelity. Chapter 3 will provide a detailed explanation about the methodology used for this study. Chapter 4 will provide the results of this study, comparing them to the literature from previous research. In the final chapter I will present the studys limitations, its implications and will also execute some recommendations for future research.Chapter 2Literature ReviewThis chapter assesses the theoretical perspectives layabout the motivations that lead men towards unfaithful demeanor. It is fundamental to have an detach rendering of what infidelity means, as it gives a better understanding about the reasons stooge infidelity. Infidelity used to be defined as extramarital sexual involvement, but nowadays the meaning is more inclusive. A more appropriate definition of infidelity proposed by Zola (2007) is (1) an act of an emotional and/or bodily betrayal characterized by deportment that is not sanctioned by the other partner and (2) that has contributed to considerable, on-going, emotional anguish in the non-offending partner (p.26).Biological PerspectiveResearch has been carried out to see whether some(prenominal) correlational statistics amongst an individuals transmissible share and infidelity exists. It was found that men with relatively high levels of testosterone show prolonged interest in sexual activity outside their menstruum committed relationship, also tending to have a greater event of sex partner s and a high number of extra-marital affairs (OConnor, Daniel, Feinberg, 2011, p. 65). With respect to women, levels of testosterone during the catamenial cycle indicate an increased possibility in engaging in infidelity (Welling et al., 2007 as cited in OConnor et al.).Moreover, Garcia et al. (2010) found that individuals with genetic variation of the dopamine D4, called 7R +, were more prone to infidelity or promiscuity. In their research, 50% of the participants with 7R + report being unfaithful when compared with 22% of participants who did not exhibit this genetic variation. Garcia shape up notes that his findings are not cause-effect related, since people without these genetic variations can also commit infidelity.In other study conducted by Cherkas, Oelsner, Mak, Valdes Spector (2004) on female twin about the correlation amidst genetic crop and infidelity, demonstrated that heritability in sexual infidelity exists (41%). Even though biological factors were proven to be relatively correlative with infidelity, social and culture influences should yet not be ignored as they influence statuss towards infidelity (Cherkas et al.).Evolutionary PerspectiveEvolutionary theorists have argued that infidelity has always existed in one form or another among human couples and research has addressed a growing number of issues surrounding this phenomenon (Fricker, 2006).For both females and males, reproduction and sexuality are the driving force for mate selection and relationship formation, most of the period acting unconsciously within the person (Hill, 2008). According to Trivers, (1972, as cited in Buss, 1995), females have evolved to be more selective in their choice of mating partners since they are the ones who position more in their offspring, so they exert greater selection pressure. In fact women are less likely to sleep around (Buss, 1998) while males evolve to be more competitive with same sex members to foster themselves from cuckoldry1costs (K uhle, Smedley Schmitt, 2009). Women are oriented towards long-term relationships while men take short-term relationships, showing less selection strictness (Buss Schmit, 1993).This lack of austerity allows men to have a wider range of sexual partners, therefore having higher availability alternatives. In a study conducted by Stone, Shackelford and Busss (2007), results demonstrated that when there are more females in a society, males lower their standard to advertise their offspring. In fact, according to evolutionary theory, males are more likely to cheat for reproductive success while woman cheat to find a superior mate. Furthermore, Drigotas and Barta (2001) suggest that if one of the partners does not perceive the relationship as rewarding, they tend to leave the dyad and move elsewhere.Mating strategies are time consuming, so after successfully attracting a mate, males adopt different retaining strategies (Kuhle et al., 2009). Since males cannot be sure of their paternity (Buss 2000 as cited in Sabini Silver 2005), they power be afraid to raise a child who is not biologically theirs (Hughes, Harrison Gallup, 2004) so males might be endowed by genes that make them react to sexual infidelity. Moreover, because maternity is always certain, females do not perceive sexual infidelity as a threat because they are not going to invest in an offspring which is not biologically theirs. It is the emotional engagement with another female which however triggers jealousy in women, as they fear giving up (Sabini Silver).Social and Cultural ContextAccording to Brown (1991) an increase in affairs has to do with moral breakdowns in our society (p.9). Others blame aspects like prospect, physical separation (Glass Wight, 1992), sexual liberalization and the changes that came along with womens emancipation. Human behaviour is shaped through socio-cultural factors, hence to understand better the reasons behind infidelity one should also consider outside influences (B rown).With the economic changes that have interpreted place in recent decades, families have faced drastic changes in their daily lives. Couples used to work together on farms, but today both work long hours having little time for each other (Brown, 1991). Social context gives more opportunity to engage in infidelity. The workplace gives the possibility to get closer to someone else (Treas Giesen, 2000 Wiggins Lederer, 1984). Glass states that 46% of unfaithful wives and 62% of unfaithful husbands who visited her clinic had an affair with someone who they met at work (Brown). Moreover jobs that require personal contact put the person more at risk of infidelity (Treas Giesen).Biosocial theory is an alternative to the evolutionary theory proposed by Wood and Eagly (2002) to explain infidelity. Women and men engage in different behaviours according to the social roles associated with their gender. These roles are attributed to physical differences. Costs and benefits from choosing a particular mate depend on social roles, and will be socially contractable mingled with cultures. Since males are unable to reproduce this gives them greater power over women.According to Charles, (2002 as cited in Agius, 2010), monogamous relationships are unhealthy because they fend off the natural instinct of humans (p. 16). Schmookler Bursiks (2007) research concluded that males perceive monogamy as a sacrifice, whereas females perceive it as relationship enhancing.Nowadays a lot of couples are opting for cohabitation instead of labor union, but according to Dolcini et al. (1993 as cited in Treas Giesen, 2000) the prevalence of infidelity amongst cohabiting couples is higher than in marriages since they invest less in their union and face less costs when having to leave the relationship.Attachment theoryAttachment theory is another study of evolutionary theory to explain emotions children experience when separated from their firsthand caregiver (Donovan, 2010 Hill, 2008) . Bowlby, found that the first a few(prenominal) years of a parent-child relationship are decisive in developing emotional extension, this resulting from a secure and comfort state with their caregivers. Through the emotional addendum formed with their caregivers, children develop what Ainsworth and colleagues (1978, as cited in Hill) called internal working models that will help them to understand relationships and react to them emotionally throughout life sentence (p. 285). Furthermore, the auxiliary dah with the caregiver will determine an individuals personality component and will influence also future relationships (Donovan).Hazan and Shaver (1987) rivet on the parent-child relationship and the effect on amorous and sexual relationships during adolescence and adulthood. They found that those who experienced a secure attachment with their parents tend to experience fulfill committed relationships which are stable and durable. On the other hand, those with an anxious-am bivalent personality style enter romantic relationships more quickly but are also prone to ending them quickly. Individuals who experienced an avoidant attachment style are more likely to avoid whatsoever involvement in a romantic relationship. Bartholomew and Horowitz (1991, as cited in Hill 2008) proposed a tetradth attachment style, dismissing attachment and this with reference to individuals who prefer to be more independent and not having to desire on others.According to the adult attachment theory, the type of emotional adhesion experienced with the caregiver is expected to occur when it comes to emotional bonding between adults (Fricker, 2006).Bogaert and Sadavas (2002, as cited in Hill, 2008)) study on young adults found that individuals who take in higher on anxious attachment are more likely to engage in infidelity (especially for women). Similarly, in Allen et al. (2008) study, men with dismissive attachment styles and women with absorbed attachment style tend to ha ve a considerable number of partners outside their primary relationship. Moreover, Blow and Hartnett (2005) found that women who have preoccupied attachment style and men who have a fearful attachment style are more likely to cheat.Parental- investment modelAccording to Trivers (1972, as cited in Buss, 1998)Parental investment can be defined as any time, energy, or, bowel movement expended to aid the survival and reproduction of one offspring at the expense of other forms of investment, such as effort devoted to intrasexual competition. (p. 21)Since parental investment can be costly, females need to be selective with whom to engage sexually. Sex differences in reproduction leads to different fitness strategies. For males, mating with different women puts them at a reproduction advantage to guard their genes and pass them on to the next generation. On the other hand, women are expressage in reproduction, hence they need to protect themselves and their offspring by choosing a mate with high genetic qualities (Hughes et al., 2004). In fact, women are more attracted to males who have got superb genes and who are caring and ready to commit resources for their offspring (Hill, 2008). Women also tend to give greater importance to mates who are economically stable and socially dominant. Conversely, men prefer younger, healthy, and more physically taking women (Yeniceri Kokdemir, 2006). As a matter of fact, males mostly value the waist-to-hip ratio and the body mass index, as these are associated with youthfulness and attractive women, thought to be indicators of health and capacity to reproduce (Hill, p.362). In fact women are more intimidated by opponents who are more physically attractive, while men are more threatened by rivals who have strong social status and stability (Hill).Relationship Infidelity and Personality TraitsIn a study carried out amongst fifty-two nations, using the Big Five personality traits, a relationship is evident between different pe rsonality traits and relationship infidelity (Schmitt, 2004). Four traits appear to be related to sexual behaviour extraversion, agreeableness, painstakingness and neuroticism. Exhibiting low levels of agreeableness and conscientiousness is associated with infidelity and impulsive sensation- seek (Orzeck Lung, 2005 Schmitt).Barta and Kiene (2005 as cited in Blow Kelley, 2005 Wilson et al., 2011), found that attitudes toward uncommitted sexual relationships are uncorrupted predictors of infidelity, such that people who have a favourable attitude towards infidelity are more likely to cheat. Additionally, those who report being unfaithful in romantic relationships tend to be uncooperative and lack trust (i.e. disagreeable), disorganized and unreliable (i.e. unconscientiously) which is likely to lead to infidelity during the first four years of marriage (Orzeck Lung, 2005 Schmitt, 2004). On the other hand, a Machiavellian personality, psychoticism and mental disease which are root ed in low agreeableness and low conscientiousness are strong predictors of high sensation seeking (Schmitt).Eysenck (1976, as cited in Schmitt, 2004) further found that extroverts tend to have multiple partners, are more sexually active and engage in sexual intercourse at a young age. They are more likely to be unfaithful because of high libido or due to the need to raise their habitually low levels of cortical arousal to a more comfortable level (p. 303) in order to overcome boredom (Orzeck Lung, 2005). Since they are always in need of new stimulation, they lack commitment investment (Drigotas et al., 1999).According to Buss and Shackelford (1997 as cited in Orzeck Lung, 2005) couples who have similar personalities are more likely to be satisfied with their relationship, while dissimilar personality characteristics could decrease satisfaction, leading to infidelity.Motivations for InfidelityMany researchers have examined the reasons for extra relationship involvements. According to Glass and Wright (1992 as cited in Boekhout et al., 1999), there are four classes of infidelity justifications, these being sexual, emotional, love (which entails falling in love and receiving financial aid), and extrinsic motivations.Even though men and women give similar justifications for their betrayal, research has shown that some sex differences do exist. For women, relationship dissatisfaction is a higher contributor to infidelity, while for men factors like sexual incompatibility and lack of communication lead to infidelity (Roscoe, Cavanaugh, Kennedy, 1988).Dissatisfaction with Primary RelationshipPeople in committed relationships expect certain needs to be fulfilled by their partners (Boekhout et al., 1999). When these needs are lacking, they seek them outside the primary relationship. The investment theory (Rusbult, 1983) explains that cheaters perceive themselves as being more pleasing, exploit and taken advantage of, so they would look for appreciation in extra re lationship involvement. Conversely, when they feel that their needs are being met they tend to be faithful (Orzech Lung, 2005).Research shows that relationship dissatisfaction is a high contributor to infidelity (Blow Kelley, 2005 Brown, 1991 Glass Wright, 1985). Furthermore, dissatisfaction with a primary relationship increases the desire for extramarital relationships, whereas Cuber and Haroff (1965, as cited in Glass Wright, 1977) state that affairs are not exclusive to bad marriages but may also occur in good marriages.Among those that engage in extramarital sex, women tend to be more dissatisfy with their relationship than men (Blow Kelley, 2005 Brown, 1991). For women, the primary motivator to extramarital sex is emotional dissatisfaction (Glass Wright, 1985) while for men it is related to sexual dissatisfaction (Brown). Poor communication and unresolved marital problems are also related to infidelity (Brown).Ego BolsteringPittman (1989 as cited in Brown, 1991) assigns complete responsibility for an affair to the infidel and views the partner as a victim (p.21). Men are likely to commit extramarital sex due to low levels of self-esteem, hence exhibiting feelings of insecurity. In fact, Eaves and Robertson- Smith (2004) found that the lower a mans self- esteem is, the most likely he will be unfaithful. In a relationship where men perceive their maleness as being threatened, they tend to engage in an affair (Chircop, 2008).Moreover anger and revenge could be a motivator leading to unfaithful relationships. In this case, the choice to hurt back a partner would be a conscious one (Cachia, 2007).EducationStudies in evaluating whether a correlation between education and infidelity exist or not vary. Treas and Giesen (2000) love that individuals who are exceedingly educated tend to be more bailable towards sexual set and infidelities (Blow Hartnett, 2005). In a study conducted by Atkins et al. (2001 as cited in Blow Hartnett) graduate participants were 1.75 times higher to engage in extramarital relationships than those with a lower education. These researchers also state that this finding is probatory amongst individuals who are divorced.Religious AffiliationThe great influence of Puritan values on American and later on European cultures contributed to less permissiveness towards sexual betrayal as it came to be viewed as morally unaccepted (Scheinkman, 2005, as cited in Zola, 2007). Even though some researchers like Blumstein Schwartz, (1983, as cited in Blow Hartnett, 2005) state that there is no correlation between attending at religious services and infidelity, other studies report that attendance at religious services leads to lower rates of infidelity (Treas Giesen, 2000). Liu (2000) suggests that it might be the case that couples who attend religious services might be exposed more to the condemning messages of extramarital affairs. Moreover, their social network might be tighter, hence allowing them more to ad here to social norms (Blow Hartnett). In a study conducted by Amato and Previti (2003, as cited in Allen et al., 2008), religiosity played a great role in whether to engage in infidelity or not. In fact higher religiosity can inhibit infidelity due to mechanisms such as less permissiveness attitudes (p. 244). In another study, Azzopardi (2011) found that couples who practice religion are more likely to be faithful, while low religiosity is correlated with infidelity.Amongst the Maltese society, Catholicism is highly viewed and great respect for the doctrines stance of low-tolerance towards infidelity still exists. However, things have changed since Tabones study, which dates back to 1987, where the majority of his sample participants declared that they would not be unfaithful because it is against Gods Commandments (as cited in Cachia, 2007, p.6). More recently, Abela, (2000) has stated that in todays society, the Christian religion has little influence on affairs. Even though reli gion might not affect infidelity, still it can prevent infidelity to some extent.Types of AffairsBrown (1991) recognizes that different types of affairs exist in fact she identifies five. The conflict turning away affair takes place when individuals are afraid of speaking up when they do not agree with their partner because they want to be seen as good persons and fear being abandoned. Others seek an affair because they are afraid of acquiring intimate with someone. This type of affair is known as the intimacy escape affair. Sexual addiction affairs exist among men who indulge themselves in sexual activity to numb inner pain. In the case of the assort self affair, both the spouse and the adulterer put the needs of others in front of theirs. Contrary to the sexual addict affair, here it is the marriage that feels go off and not the individual. Usually the affair is passionate, and serious. The last type of affair is the exist affair. Brown, describes these individuals as conflict avoiders at heart (p.41). Both partners are informed that their marriage has finished, but still the adulterer justifies his action to leave the marriage for the affair instead.Gender Differences and AttitudesA lot of research has been carried out to identify the incidence rate of affairs between males and females. However a easy conclusion cannot be reached because it depends on age, primary relationship type and the type of extra dyadic relationship (Hill, 2008). Even though the majority of unite couples expect a monogamous relationship and condemn extra dyadic relationships (Allen et al., 2008), still between 20% to 40% of all couples at one point in their life, engage in infidelity (Peluso Spina, 2008).Several authors have concluded that men engage more in unfaithful relationships and are more permissive about extra-dyadic sex than women (Hill, 2008 Treas Giesen, 2000). However, Margie Scarf (1987 as cited in Brown 1991) points out that 55% of married men and 45% of marrie d women engage in unfaithful relationships. Due to the increasing number of women who work, opportunity to engage in infidelity is increasing as well (Larson, 1988 as cited by Brown). Besides, Atwater (1982, as cited in Brown) explains that there is a higher rate in affair participation amongst young women than men. Larson (1988 as cited in Brown) still recognizes that there is a gender difference when it comes to affairs because females consider infidelity to be more serious than males.In a local context, Cachia (2007) carried out a study to highlight both differences and similarities in infidelity amongst males and females. Results revealed that both sexes considered infidelity to be wrong yet still engaged in it. Another study was conducted by Agius (2010) to investigate if there are any sex differences when it comes to infidelity. Even in this study, results showed no significant difference between genders when it comes to being unfaithful.Glass and Wright (1977) recognised that there is a relation between attitudes toward infidelity and behaviour, especially for men. More favourable attitudes towards infidelity are associated with greater predictions towards the likelihood of engaging in sexual infidelity (Treas Giesen, 2000 Wilson et al., 2011). Blow Hartnett (2005) maintain that attitudes toward infidelity may also depend on prior sexual experience. Premarital sexual experiences are correlated with extramarital affairs in fact, Atwater (1982 as cited in Brown 1991) states that the more experience an individual has the superior the likelihood of him being unfaithful.Types of InfidelityAn affair can be sexual, emotional or both (Brown, 1991). Sexual infidelity refers to sexual activity with someone else outside the primary relationship while emotional infidelity refers to the attention and romantic love channelled towards someone else besides the long-term partner (Shackelford, LeBlanc Drass, 2000).Men perceive sexual infidelity as being more deplor able and unacceptable, whereas women are more upset when it comes to emotional infidelity. This difference is explained by the evolutionary perspective model because it reflects the challenges our ancestors faced in reproduction (Treger Sprecher, 2011). Buss and his colleagues (1992, as cited in Boekhout et al., 1999) found that 60% of men will be more distressed with sexual infidelity, whereas 83% of women are more distressed with emotional infidelity. Women believe that men engage in sexual activity without any emotional attachment, so when they fall in love women perceive this type of affair as more distressful. On the other hand, men know that women may fall in love without engaging in sex and that they will have sex only with the one they love, so they perceive sexual infidelity as more distressful (Treger Sprecher). Men mostly view extra dyadic relationships as having no consequences on committed relationships since they are more like