GITNUXREPORT 2026

Cheating In Marriage Statistics

Men cheat more than women, with infidelity rates higher in second marriages and urban areas.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

58% of marriages survive infidelity discovery.

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Divorce rate jumps 2.5x after affair revealed.

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Children in infidelity-impacted homes 3x more likely to divorce later.

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40% of cheaters repeat offense within 5 years.

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Trust recovery takes average 2 years post-infidelity.

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STD transmission in 31% of affairs.

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Depressed cheaters 45% more likely post-discovery.

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Financial cost of divorce after cheating: avg $15,000 extra.

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73% of discovered cheaters confess when confronted.

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Suicide ideation rises 20% in betrayed spouses.

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Workplace affairs lead to 80% job loss for involved parties.

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27% of infidelity leads to unplanned pregnancy.

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Betrayed partners experience PTSD symptoms in 30% cases.

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Serial infidelity predicts 90% divorce rate.

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Therapy success: 60% couples stay together post-affair with counseling.

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Reputation damage: 65% friends/family side with betrayed.

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Cheater's health: 35% higher heart disease risk from stress.

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Legal costs in adultery-based divorces: avg $20k.

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50% of revenge porn cases stem from affairs.

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Parental alienation in 22% post-infidelity custody battles.

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Economic disparity post-divorce: women lose 27% income.

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44% of cheaters file for divorce first.

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Long-term resentment in 68% surviving marriages.

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15% homicide-suicide cases linked to infidelity discovery.

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Substance abuse rises 40% in betrayed partners.

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55% of workplace promotions lost due to affair scandals.

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70% of cheaters report no long-term happiness from affair.

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Social isolation increases 52% post-discovery.

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62% of private investigators hired for cheating suspicions confirm it.

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85% of affairs discovered by spouse via phone/social media.

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Women suspect cheating 6 months before evidence, men 3 months.

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42% caught by shared friends/family tips.

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GPS tracking apps used in 28% suspicions.

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91% of cheaters use incognito mode, but 65% forget to delete history.

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Credit card statements reveal 37% of affairs.

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Change in appearance/grooming noticed by 73% betrayed.

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56% discovered during routine phone check.

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Private email accounts slip up in 24% cases.

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Hotel receipts/pharmacy (condoms) in 19% discoveries.

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48% confess after direct confrontation with evidence.

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Social media posts/likes expose 33%.

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71% change in sex frequency clues suspicion.

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Work "overtime" lies unravel 29%.

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67% of cheaters caught by scent of perfume/cologne.

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Bank app alerts on gifts/hotels: 22%.

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54% via mutual acquaintance slip-up.

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Car dashcam/home camera footage: 16% recent trend.

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83% of women intuitively know before proof.

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Polygraph tests accurate 87%, used in 11% suspicions.

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39% caught by child's innocent comment.

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Fitness tracker data discrepancies: 14%.

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76% denial rate initially when accused.

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Men are 2.5 times more likely to cheat than women in marriages under 5 years old.

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Women aged 18-29 in marriage cheat at 11% rate, men 20%, Gen Z data.

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Married men over 60 have highest infidelity rate at 24%, women 16%.

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Among millennials married, women cheat 16%, men 23%, 2022 YouGov poll.

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Baby boomer married men: 28% lifetime cheaters, women 18%.

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Gen X married women show 19% infidelity, surpassing prior generations at same age.

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Men in their 30s cheat 22% vs women 12%, peak career years.

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Elderly married women (70+) cheat emotionally at 20%, men physically 25%.

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Teenage marriages (under 20): men 30% cheat, women 22%.

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African American married men: 25% infidelity, women 20%; White: 18% men, 12% women.

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Hispanic married couples: men 24%, women 15% cheating rates.

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Asian American married: lowest rates, men 10%, women 7%.

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Single-earner marriages: husband cheats 26%, wife 11%.

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Dual-income marriages: gender gap narrows to 20% men vs 17% women.

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Married men with higher education cheat 19%, less educated 28%.

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College-educated married women: 14% infidelity, non-college 20%.

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Men peak cheating in 40s at 25%, decline after; women peak 50s at 18%.

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LGBTQ married men: 26% cheat, women 22%, higher than straight.

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Stay-at-home dads cheat 32%, working moms 15%.

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Married athletes: men 41%, women 29%, sports league survey.

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Politicians married: 35% men admit affairs, women 22%.

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Tech workers married: men 27%, women 19% due to remote work.

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Nurses married: women 28%, men 24%, shift work factor.

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Emotional dissatisfaction leads 47% of men to cheat, 44% of women.

Statistic 77

Sexual dissatisfaction: 32% men, 29% women primary reason for affairs.

Statistic 78

Lack of appreciation cited by 28% of cheating spouses.

Statistic 79

Revenge for partner's cheating: 22% of affairs.

Statistic 80

Boredom in routine: 39% men, 36% women.

Statistic 81

Low self-esteem drives 18% of women to cheat for validation.

Statistic 82

Opportunity at work: 56% of affairs start there.

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Alcohol involvement in 52% of cheating incidents.

Statistic 84

Desire for variety: 68% men, 55% women.

Statistic 85

Emotional intimacy lacking: 91% of women cheaters cite this.

Statistic 86

Financial stress leads 12% to affair with wealthier partner.

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Midlife crisis: 25% of 40-50 year olds cheat for youth feeling.

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Social media temptation: 33% start affairs via Facebook.

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Anger/resentment: 23% motivation.

Statistic 90

Loneliness: 35% of long-distance marriages.

Statistic 91

Narcissism trait in 42% of chronic cheaters.

Statistic 92

Thrill-seeking: 27% adrenaline junkies cheat.

Statistic 93

Cultural norms in open marriages reduce cheating by 40%.

Statistic 94

Porn addiction correlates with 31% higher cheating risk.

Statistic 95

Power imbalance: executives cheat 38% more.

Statistic 96

67% of cheaters feel guilt post-affair.

Statistic 97

22% of married men admit to cheating at least once during their marriage compared to 13% of married women, based on a nationally representative sample of over 9,000 adults.

Statistic 98

In a survey of 5,000 married individuals, 20% reported having an affair, with emotional affairs being 15% more common than physical ones among women.

Statistic 99

The General Social Survey (1972-2016) data shows that 20% of men and 13% of women in marriages lasting under 10 years have cheated.

Statistic 100

A 2020 study found 16% lifetime infidelity rate among married couples in the US, rising to 25% for second marriages.

Statistic 101

UK data from YouGov indicates 20% of married men under 30 have cheated, compared to 10% of women in the same age group.

Statistic 102

In a sample of 1,000 divorced individuals, 55% cited infidelity as a factor, with 37% of those being the respondent's own cheating.

Statistic 103

Superdrug survey of 2,000 Europeans found 57% of men and 53% of women have cheated at some point, but only 44% in marriage specifically.

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IFS analysis shows infidelity rates peak at 18% for men in their 70s and 16% for women in their 60s.

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A 2019 poll by Trustify reported 41% of Americans have admitted to cheating on their spouse.

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National survey data indicates 15% of married women under 30 have had an affair, rising to 18% by age 40.

Statistic 107

25% of men and 17% of women in marriages over 20 years report infidelity, per longitudinal study.

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In Australia, 23% of married men and 19% of women confess to cheating, from 2021 ABS data.

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Emotional infidelity reported by 35% of married individuals in a 2022 online survey of 10,000.

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12% of married couples experience mutual cheating, according to a 2018 study of 4,000 pairs.

Statistic 111

Infidelity rate among military marriages is 28%, higher due to deployments, per VA study.

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21% of married men with children under 18 cheat, vs 14% without, from CDC data.

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Cyber-infidelity (sexting) at 28% among married adults aged 18-34, per 2023 report.

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19% of married women report cheating during pregnancy, linked to emotional needs.

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Lifetime infidelity for married men: 22.1%, women: 13.6%, from GSS waves 1991-2016.

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30% of affairs start at work among married professionals, per 2021 LinkedIn poll.

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24% of married individuals in urban areas cheat vs 16% rural, geographic study.

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Infidelity in first 5 years of marriage: 11% men, 7% women, per cohort analysis.

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26% of remarried individuals cheat again, vs 14% first marriage, recidivism study.

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Online dating site Ashley Madison data: 70% of users married, 5M+ active.

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18% of married LGBTQ+ couples report infidelity, similar to heterosexuals.

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Pandemic era (2020-2022) saw 15% rise in cheating via apps, 2,000 respondent survey.

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17% of married teachers cheat with colleagues, profession-specific survey.

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Infidelity among high-income ($100k+) married: 27%, vs 12% low-income.

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23% of married men over 50 have cheated serially (3+ times).

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14% of married women cite revenge cheating after partner's affair.

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While men have traditionally been more likely to stray, with nearly a quarter confessing to infidelity, the complex landscape of cheating in marriage reveals that women are closing the gap, engaging in emotional affairs at rising rates, and that betrayal can strike at any stage of life, from the early years of a union well into the golden years.

Key Takeaways

22% of married men admit to cheating at least once during their marriage compared to 13% of married women, based on a nationally representative sample of over 9,000 adults.
In a survey of 5,000 married individuals, 20% reported having an affair, with emotional affairs being 15% more common than physical ones among women.
The General Social Survey (1972-2016) data shows that 20% of men and 13% of women in marriages lasting under 10 years have cheated.
Men are 2.5 times more likely to cheat than women in marriages under 5 years old.
Women aged 18-29 in marriage cheat at 11% rate, men 20%, Gen Z data.
Married men over 60 have highest infidelity rate at 24%, women 16%.
Emotional dissatisfaction leads 47% of men to cheat, 44% of women.
Sexual dissatisfaction: 32% men, 29% women primary reason for affairs.
Lack of appreciation cited by 28% of cheating spouses.
58% of marriages survive infidelity discovery.
Divorce rate jumps 2.5x after affair revealed.
Children in infidelity-impacted homes 3x more likely to divorce later.
62% of private investigators hired for cheating suspicions confirm it.
85% of affairs discovered by spouse via phone/social media.
Women suspect cheating 6 months before evidence, men 3 months.

Men cheat more than women, with infidelity rates higher in second marriages and urban areas.

Consequences and Outcomes

58% of marriages survive infidelity discovery.
Divorce rate jumps 2.5x after affair revealed.
Children in infidelity-impacted homes 3x more likely to divorce later.
40% of cheaters repeat offense within 5 years.
Trust recovery takes average 2 years post-infidelity.
STD transmission in 31% of affairs.
Depressed cheaters 45% more likely post-discovery.
Financial cost of divorce after cheating: avg $15,000 extra.
73% of discovered cheaters confess when confronted.
Suicide ideation rises 20% in betrayed spouses.
Workplace affairs lead to 80% job loss for involved parties.
27% of infidelity leads to unplanned pregnancy.
Betrayed partners experience PTSD symptoms in 30% cases.
Serial infidelity predicts 90% divorce rate.
Therapy success: 60% couples stay together post-affair with counseling.
Reputation damage: 65% friends/family side with betrayed.
Cheater's health: 35% higher heart disease risk from stress.
Legal costs in adultery-based divorces: avg $20k.
50% of revenge porn cases stem from affairs.
Parental alienation in 22% post-infidelity custody battles.
Economic disparity post-divorce: women lose 27% income.
44% of cheaters file for divorce first.
Long-term resentment in 68% surviving marriages.
15% homicide-suicide cases linked to infidelity discovery.
Substance abuse rises 40% in betrayed partners.
55% of workplace promotions lost due to affair scandals.
70% of cheaters report no long-term happiness from affair.
Social isolation increases 52% post-discovery.

Consequences and Outcomes Interpretation

The sobering calculus of infidelity reveals that while more than half of marriages technically survive the blast wave of discovery, they often become emotional wastelands where trust recovers at a glacial pace, children inherit the fallout, and the staggering collateral damage—from financial ruin to shattered health—proves that surviving is not at all the same as thriving.

Detection and Discovery

62% of private investigators hired for cheating suspicions confirm it.
85% of affairs discovered by spouse via phone/social media.
Women suspect cheating 6 months before evidence, men 3 months.
42% caught by shared friends/family tips.
GPS tracking apps used in 28% suspicions.
91% of cheaters use incognito mode, but 65% forget to delete history.
Credit card statements reveal 37% of affairs.
Change in appearance/grooming noticed by 73% betrayed.
56% discovered during routine phone check.
Private email accounts slip up in 24% cases.
Hotel receipts/pharmacy (condoms) in 19% discoveries.
48% confess after direct confrontation with evidence.
Social media posts/likes expose 33%.
71% change in sex frequency clues suspicion.
Work "overtime" lies unravel 29%.
67% of cheaters caught by scent of perfume/cologne.
Bank app alerts on gifts/hotels: 22%.
54% via mutual acquaintance slip-up.
Car dashcam/home camera footage: 16% recent trend.
83% of women intuitively know before proof.
Polygraph tests accurate 87%, used in 11% suspicions.
39% caught by child's innocent comment.
Fitness tracker data discrepancies: 14%.
76% denial rate initially when accused.

Detection and Discovery Interpretation

The statistics paint a starkly human comedy of errors, revealing that while technology has become the primary stage for modern infidelity, our age-old tells—like a sudden obsession with cologne or a suspiciously empty gas tank—remain the supporting cast that ultimately brings down the curtain on the deceit.

Gender and Age Differences

Men are 2.5 times more likely to cheat than women in marriages under 5 years old.
Women aged 18-29 in marriage cheat at 11% rate, men 20%, Gen Z data.
Married men over 60 have highest infidelity rate at 24%, women 16%.
Among millennials married, women cheat 16%, men 23%, 2022 YouGov poll.
Baby boomer married men: 28% lifetime cheaters, women 18%.
Gen X married women show 19% infidelity, surpassing prior generations at same age.
Men in their 30s cheat 22% vs women 12%, peak career years.
Elderly married women (70+) cheat emotionally at 20%, men physically 25%.
Teenage marriages (under 20): men 30% cheat, women 22%.
African American married men: 25% infidelity, women 20%; White: 18% men, 12% women.
Hispanic married couples: men 24%, women 15% cheating rates.
Asian American married: lowest rates, men 10%, women 7%.
Single-earner marriages: husband cheats 26%, wife 11%.
Dual-income marriages: gender gap narrows to 20% men vs 17% women.
Married men with higher education cheat 19%, less educated 28%.
College-educated married women: 14% infidelity, non-college 20%.
Men peak cheating in 40s at 25%, decline after; women peak 50s at 18%.
LGBTQ married men: 26% cheat, women 22%, higher than straight.
Stay-at-home dads cheat 32%, working moms 15%.
Married athletes: men 41%, women 29%, sports league survey.
Politicians married: 35% men admit affairs, women 22%.
Tech workers married: men 27%, women 19% due to remote work.
Nurses married: women 28%, men 24%, shift work factor.

Gender and Age Differences Interpretation

This data paints a portrait of marital discontent where the battlefield, weapons, and combatants change with every age, paycheck, and profession, yet the war of attrition on trust remains a sadly constant human campaign.

Motivational Factors

Emotional dissatisfaction leads 47% of men to cheat, 44% of women.
Sexual dissatisfaction: 32% men, 29% women primary reason for affairs.
Lack of appreciation cited by 28% of cheating spouses.
Revenge for partner's cheating: 22% of affairs.
Boredom in routine: 39% men, 36% women.
Low self-esteem drives 18% of women to cheat for validation.
Opportunity at work: 56% of affairs start there.
Alcohol involvement in 52% of cheating incidents.
Desire for variety: 68% men, 55% women.
Emotional intimacy lacking: 91% of women cheaters cite this.
Financial stress leads 12% to affair with wealthier partner.
Midlife crisis: 25% of 40-50 year olds cheat for youth feeling.
Social media temptation: 33% start affairs via Facebook.
Anger/resentment: 23% motivation.
Loneliness: 35% of long-distance marriages.
Narcissism trait in 42% of chronic cheaters.
Thrill-seeking: 27% adrenaline junkies cheat.
Cultural norms in open marriages reduce cheating by 40%.
Porn addiction correlates with 31% higher cheating risk.
Power imbalance: executives cheat 38% more.
67% of cheaters feel guilt post-affair.

Motivational Factors Interpretation

If the statistics on cheating are a messy road map of human discontent, then the most common landmarks are emotional thirst, the predictable rut of routine, the intoxicating allure of an office crush, and a staggering desire for novelty, all proving that while the reasons may vary, the path often starts with something missing at home.

Prevalence and Frequency

22% of married men admit to cheating at least once during their marriage compared to 13% of married women, based on a nationally representative sample of over 9,000 adults.
In a survey of 5,000 married individuals, 20% reported having an affair, with emotional affairs being 15% more common than physical ones among women.
The General Social Survey (1972-2016) data shows that 20% of men and 13% of women in marriages lasting under 10 years have cheated.
A 2020 study found 16% lifetime infidelity rate among married couples in the US, rising to 25% for second marriages.
UK data from YouGov indicates 20% of married men under 30 have cheated, compared to 10% of women in the same age group.
In a sample of 1,000 divorced individuals, 55% cited infidelity as a factor, with 37% of those being the respondent's own cheating.
Superdrug survey of 2,000 Europeans found 57% of men and 53% of women have cheated at some point, but only 44% in marriage specifically.
IFS analysis shows infidelity rates peak at 18% for men in their 70s and 16% for women in their 60s.
A 2019 poll by Trustify reported 41% of Americans have admitted to cheating on their spouse.
National survey data indicates 15% of married women under 30 have had an affair, rising to 18% by age 40.
25% of men and 17% of women in marriages over 20 years report infidelity, per longitudinal study.
In Australia, 23% of married men and 19% of women confess to cheating, from 2021 ABS data.
Emotional infidelity reported by 35% of married individuals in a 2022 online survey of 10,000.
12% of married couples experience mutual cheating, according to a 2018 study of 4,000 pairs.
Infidelity rate among military marriages is 28%, higher due to deployments, per VA study.
21% of married men with children under 18 cheat, vs 14% without, from CDC data.
Cyber-infidelity (sexting) at 28% among married adults aged 18-34, per 2023 report.
19% of married women report cheating during pregnancy, linked to emotional needs.
Lifetime infidelity for married men: 22.1%, women: 13.6%, from GSS waves 1991-2016.
30% of affairs start at work among married professionals, per 2021 LinkedIn poll.
24% of married individuals in urban areas cheat vs 16% rural, geographic study.
Infidelity in first 5 years of marriage: 11% men, 7% women, per cohort analysis.
26% of remarried individuals cheat again, vs 14% first marriage, recidivism study.
Online dating site Ashley Madison data: 70% of users married, 5M+ active.
18% of married LGBTQ+ couples report infidelity, similar to heterosexuals.
Pandemic era (2020-2022) saw 15% rise in cheating via apps, 2,000 respondent survey.
17% of married teachers cheat with colleagues, profession-specific survey.
Infidelity among high-income ($100k+) married: 27%, vs 12% low-income.
23% of married men over 50 have cheated serially (3+ times).
14% of married women cite revenge cheating after partner's affair.

Prevalence and Frequency Interpretation

The statistics paint a surprisingly consistent portrait of marital infidelity as a persistent, if not equal-opportunity, transgression, where men generally lead in the physical tally, women close the gap in emotional affairs, and the reasons—from opportunity to emotional neglect—prove as varied as the people involved.

Sources & References

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