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According to a recent study, being around unfaithful people or being exposed to unfaithful behavior could make it easier for us to cheat on our partner.
Be careful with your couple, if your entourage is not very stable in terms of hearts and relationships: infidelity could well rub off on you! This is in any case the hypothesis studied by the Reichman University in Israel, which wished to decipher the factors of infidelity in the couple. Thus, personal characteristics, but also relational ones, would play a founding role in our relationship with the loved one.
The infidelity of those around us disinhibits us
But how to study the causes of adultery? Scientists set up 3 studies in which participants involved in a romantic relationship were exposed to the cheating behavior of others. Then thought or even met attractive strangers.
Their perceptions and relational reactions during these experiences (from mere fantasy with an alternative partner to actual flirtation) were recorded.
The sense of priorities upset
The results of this study demonstrated that after being exposed to the cheating behavior of others, participants were less likely to devalue the attractiveness of alternative partners. They were also less likely to commit to their relationship.
In short, regular exposure to an adulterous situation in one’s environment would diminish awareness of the long-term priorities of maintaining the relationship, and diminish resistance to the temptation of attractive alternatives.
Want to resist temptation? Avoid reality TV shows that promote these behaviors and surround yourself with loyal friends (in love)!