Attractiveness

All things being equal, an individual’s attractiveness influences how likely he or she is to cheat. Attraction comes in many different forms—it is influenced by one’s physical appearance, one’s social skills, and one’s tangible resources (such as money). The more one is in demand, the more likely one is to cheat. People who have higher incomes, more education, and successful careers are more likely to cheat than people who are less successful. Physical attractiveness also plays an important role (see gut reaction).

Opportunity

Again, all things being equal, the more individual free time people have, the more likely they are to cheat. Couples who have separate social lives, friends, careers, travel plans, and so on are much more likely to cheat than couples who spend most of their time together. The more opportunity people have to cheat, the greater the odds that cheating will occur.

Risk Taking

People who like to take risks or have a sense of adventure are more likely to cheat than people who are more fearful or timid by nature. There is most likely a genetic component involved in risk-taking behavior—some people may be predisposed to taking risks (see understanding genetics).

Personality Differences

Individual personality traits also play a role in who is likely to commit infidelity. People who have psychopathic or Machiavellian personality traits are much more likely to cheat (see personality traits and infidelity).

Power

People in a position of power are more likely to cheat. Power increases one’s confidence, leading powerful individuals to act in more assertive and outgoing ways. Powerful people are more likely to make direct eye contact, strike a confident pose, and approach potential lovers. Power influences the likelihood of cheating for both men and women (see powerful cheaters and politicians and infidelity).

Who cheats?