Research in the field of infidelity reveals that there are three distinct personality types correlated with a higher likelihood of cheating: sociopaths, narcissists, and lonely hearts. Psychopathy is the tendency to disregard the moral code and the rights of others, acting purely on one's own behalf. Experts disagree about whether or not the distinctions between psychopathy and sociopathy are significant enough that the terms can't be used interchangeably.
In broad terms, psychopathy is considered a more severe form of sociopathy. All psychopaths are sociopaths, but not all sociopaths are psychopaths.
That said, the traits shared by psychopaths and sociopaths are the traits that make both types more likely to cheat: a disregard for social mores and the rights and feelings of others, and a failure to feel remorse or guilt. Psychopathy has a strong correlation to infidelity , with a very high likelihood that a psychopath or sociopath will engage with other sex partners outside the marital relationship.
Psychopaths also tend to have a higher number of lifetime sex partners. They are better able to separate love from sexual activity, and they are more willing to engage in behaviors involved in an unfaithful relationship or lifestyle, like prolonged periods of lying.
In contrast, narcissism is hallmarked by grandiosity and conceit. The narcissist believes they are better-looking, smarter, fitter, and more worthy than their spouse, which leads them to believe they are entitled to cheat.
And that they believe they are better-looking, smarter, fitter, and more worthy than their affair partner may lead them to believe they are entitled to use them exclusively for their own sexual pleasure. Sexual narcissism itself can be considered one specific type of narcissism.
Interestingly, though they may get up to the same unsavory social behaviors, sociopaths and narcissists are two very different fellows. That handsome narcissist across the coffee bar is likely to be somewhat neurotic, with a deep underlying lack of confidence, stemming from an insecure attachment to the primary caregiver in early childhood.
Under their confident exterior, they may secretly suffer from excessive worry, guilt, and anxiety. Meanwhile, the smooth-operating and deceitful sociopath two seats over is much more detached, resulting from an avoidant attachment to his primary caregiver, if they had one.
People with an avoidant attachment style have trouble getting close to, trusting, and relying on others. They actually seek out relationships that are more likely to be distant and less emotionally demanding. Their early bonding experience likely involved a distracted or dismissive authoritarian parent who failed to satisfy their needs.
As a result, they seek comfort from those who are less intimate and committed in their relationships. And an extramarital relationship perfectly avoids the threat of intimacy in a sexual relationship, which explains the link between attachment avoidance and infidelity. Meanwhile, the narcissist may actually crave and long for the intimacy that was lacking in their early attachment to their parent, and they may very well be lacking in their current relationship with their partner.
Studies show that both the sociopath and the narcissist tend to have more lenient attitudes toward infidelity than does the typical Gallup responder. Alas, here are the four MBTI types that may be tempted to be unfaithful. Not only that, but they value their freedom and independence a lot.
This combination of traits can make them slightly more likely to stray. While Intuitive types tend to think about the bigger picture in any situation, always thinking ahead, Sensors types are more focused on the here and now. Melanie Shapiro. True to the name, sensors often rely on their senses in their immediate environment to make a decision which is important to take into account when a person is faced with temptation.
On the other hand, intuitive types lean on patterns and thoughts about future possibilities when they make decisions, which means they may be more likely to think about the impact that cheating could have thus making them less likely to follow through. This tendency may translate into cheating because they are more likely to act without considering how their decision may impact a partner.
This personality type also actively seeks out new challenges and experiences — and in some cases, may find a thrill in taking risks. They also tend to focus more on living in the present than dwelling on how their actions could impact the future. As a result, they can be somewhat unpredictable partners. As they are especially good at telling a story and improvising , they may also be better at hiding their indiscretions.
The thinking aspect of this personality type is worth exploring as well. As one might expect, feelers tend to make their decisions based on their value system and compassion versus logic or reason. As such, they may be quicker to weigh how cheating could be detrimental to their relationship. Settling down for them feels restrictive and so it will take a very special person for them to lower their anchors and stay put.
They get bored easily, and if they think they can strike a better deal with someone new they may cross some emotional lines with them before they decide to end their main relationship. Power is a potent aphrodisiac and many people will likely be drawn to them due to this which can present them with opportunities that they may struggle to ignore.
They know how gut wrenching heartbreak can be and they would not want to hurt or betray anyone they care about. That said, they are generally very committed once they fall in love with someone and they are probably more resistant to outside temptations. If anything they may have difficulty leaving a relationship that is not good for them and they are more likely to be the one giving their partners a second chance after being cheated on. If they do not receive enough attention and appreciation from their relationships, they may be inclined to having an emotional affair with another person or satisfy the lack of sexual gratification they are not getting from their partner.
However, because they are very engaging and affectionate with people, they may attract attention and admiration from people who want to be closer to them. They appreciate being appreciated and this can be a gateway to their heart which may lead to emotional and physical affairs. They are very loyal and low maintenance in a relationship and probably resistant to the emotional impulses or urges that might tempt others to stray.
In order for them to betray their relationship, it may require extensive neglect and unappreciation by their partner and a smooth operator who can make them feel appreciated the way they desire. They may be susceptible to committing emotional affairs with people who give them attention and make them feel special and valued. They can be insecure and their need for validation from others can open them up to desperate attempts of seeking approval. They are easily charmed by people they view as confident and exciting.
Someone who can make them feel valued and validated has the potential of stealing their heart. They are not so inclined to flirt or seek emotional or sensual thrills. They may become susceptible to the advances of others especially when their responsibilities become stressful. A new love interest could then provide a welcome distraction and take their mind off of their troubles.
Even though they are prone to jealousy and fear of being cheated on, they may develop a dog-eat-dog perspective that may in their minds justify engaging in infidelity if they anticipate their partner might do the same if given the same opportunity.
Consequently, they may allow themselves to cultivate side relationships that could later become their backup plan should their main relationship fail. They may also engage in emotional affairs if they do not receive the type of emotional support they feel they deserve.
They are usually very friendly and open to everyone and many potentially romantic relationships form naturally from this. Sometimes the lines can get blurred for them and they may find themselves having crossed a line they did not intend to cross.
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