Does the one-off slip-up in cheating really exist? It’s the question of all questions: “Have you (ever) cheated?”. It doesn’t matter whether you’re dating or in a relationship, the answer is an important basis for further decisions by the other person.
“Yes, I’ve cheated once before, but that was just a one-time slip-up,” everyone has probably heard this answer at least once in their environment. Whether in stories from friends, your own or in films. The well-known “one-off slip” is quite popular. Scientists have now made it their task to find out whether the misstep really exists, or whether it is usually just an excuse for notorious cheaters.
In a long-term study, the University of Denver examined the relationships of 484 unmarried, heterosexual couples between the ages of 18 and 34. The test persons were accompanied in their lives by the scientists over a period of five years. Some switched relationships, others stayed together. The focus of the study was on the topic of loyalty: did someone who had cheated once in the relationship cheated again or was a scammer faithful in the next partnership?
Cheating: Once the reputation is ruined…
After five years, the study came to a startling conclusion. Someone who has previously cheated is three times more likely to get carried away again, whether in the same relationship or a new one, than someone who has been faithful all of the time. One reason for this could well be that one has already broken the holy oath and the inhibition threshold for another time is lowered.
But during the investigation there were completely different findings that the researchers had not necessarily expected. According to the study, people who have already been scammed in the past are more likely to be scammed again. Even in a new relationship, these people were four times more likely to suspect that their partner might be unfaithful.
It is also interesting that the researchers found that those who were proven to have been cheated on in one relationship also stated that they had been betrayed in the subsequent relationship. Of course, it’s also logical that someone who’s had the experience of being cheated on by their partner should have a sharper perspective on the other person, old or new, than someone who hasn’t experienced that pain before.
Sources: ,
Source: Stern
I am a 24-year-old writer and journalist who has been working in the news industry for the past two years. I write primarily about market news, so if you’re looking for insights into what’s going on in the stock market or economic indicators, you’ve come to the right place. I also dabble in writing articles on lifestyle trends and pop culture news.
