No one wants to find out about infidelity. However, certain behaviors could give clues. This is what American psychologists wanted to verify in a study published in 2024 in The Journal of Sex Research.
Researchers surveyed 379 American men online. They compared their attitudes toward women with their statements about infidelity. According to PsyPost, about 21% of American men say they have already cheated on their partner. Two profiles appeared more often among those who admitted to infidelity or said they were willing to cheat.
Hostile sexism and benevolent sexism linked to higher risk
Researchers have looked at hostile sexism and benevolent sexism. The first corresponds to a negative and suspicious vision of women. The second seems more positive. It translates into a desire to protect or take care of women, while considering them as more fragile or dependent.
Men who scored higher on these two forms of sexism were more likely to report having been unfaithful in the past. They were also more likely to say that they might cheat on their partner if the risk of being discovered was low.
A second study, conducted among 544 men, came to a similar conclusion. Participants who wanted to maintain more power in their relationship also expressed a stronger intention to be unfaithful.
How to recognize these attitudes on a daily basis?
Hostile sexism is often the easiest to spot. It can result in remarks that devalue women, strong jealousy or a desire to control one’s partner’s outings, dating or spending.
Benevolent sexism is more discreet. He can come across as caring. The man wants to pay for everything, decide everything or protect his partner by believing he knows what is best for her. Behind this attitude, researchers point out that the perception of women will be “less autonomous”.
A third study, carried out with 240 women, however shows that men with a high level of benevolent sexism are not perceived as more unfaithful than others.
These results do not predict infidelity
Researchers remain cautious. Their work is based on questionnaires completed by American volunteers. They highlight trends, not certainties.
A man who exhibits these attitudes will not necessarily be unfaithful. Conversely, a person who does not have these behaviors can absolutely cheat on their partner. This study simply shows that there is a statistical link between certain attitudes towards women, the relationship with power in the couple and the risk of infidelity.