Infidelity: The Double-Edged Sword

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The purpose of this research paper is to explain the gender differences between men and women in the context of infidelity. The two concepts (sexual and emotional) of infidelity can occur in any type of affair, such as serial, fling, romantic and long-term affair. Some cues, which may lead to infidelity, are showing too much or too little interest in sexual activity with their partner. Infidelity in romantic relationships can create different gender responses of jealousy: men display physical aggression for anger and sensitivity to sexual infidelity versus women show anger by breaking sentimental gifts and sensitivity to emotional infidelity. Men and women experience different emotions such as anger, fear, sadness, and guilt when adultery has been committed. Rival characteristics have also been found to evoke different types of jealousy responses; men displayed more feelings of jealousy toward rivals being socially dominant verses women displaying more feelings of jealousy toward rival being physically attractive. Evolutionary theorists explain that men’s paternity was at risk by sexual infidelity causing more distress, while women’s financial support was at risk if their partner loved another woman leading to more distress by emotional infidelity. Other researchers explain that one’s ideas about themselves can lead to gender differences while culture can also explain why men and women respond differently to sexual and emotional infidelity.