Infidelity, a topic that sparks curiosity and concern, has long been associated with negative consequences for personal and relationship well-being. However, the question of whether infidelity leads to relationship problems or is merely a symptom of troubled relationships has remained unanswered.
In an effort to shed light on this matter, researchers from Tilburg University conducted a comprehensive study involving approximately 1,000 German adults. Over the course of eight years, they closely observed how various events impacted their relationships.
The study included 947 individuals, consisting of both perpetrators and victims of infidelity. Each participant was in a committed relationship and had experienced infidelity, while another group served as a comparison, having not experienced infidelity.
Through self-reporting, the researchers tracked the well-being of each participant, including their overall psychological well-being and relationship satisfaction.
The results were revealing. Unsurprisingly, individuals who had cheated on their partners reported lower self-esteem, relationship satisfaction, and intimacy. Interestingly, victims of infidelity reported lower self-esteem and more conflict, but other measures of well-being did not decrease.
However, what was truly intriguing were the findings leading up to the infidelity event. Prior to the affair, there were often significant changes in the relationship. Both parties experienced a gradual decline in relationship well-being, with increased conflict and decreased satisfaction.
Unfortunately, for the majority of relationships, recovery was elusive after the infidelity event. However, it was noted that unfaithful women and couples with lower relationship commitments sometimes managed to salvage their relationships.
Perhaps most dishearteningly, the study revealed that unlike other life events where people tend to recover their well-being over time, those involved in infidelity did not experience the same level of recovery.
This thought-provoking study was published in Psychological Science.
