Introduction
The study is dedicated to analysis of the cheating problem in romantic relationships. The results of two studies were used to form the background of analysis, which allowed us to formulate hypotheses and consider them in the course of experiment, drawing corresponding conclusions. The first study by Knox, Vail-Smith and Zusman (2008) analyzed the stereotype “men are dogs” in the meaning of their being sexually-focused cheaters. Still, the results of the study didn’t justify this stereotype, as the majority of men reported that they will not cheat on their partners and that they had never done it before. Still, about 20% of the males admitted having sexual intercourse with other partners and that they hadn’t told them about it. Thus, in the current study it was hypothesized that men will report more agreement than women with the sentence “I would cheat on my partner if I knew she/he would never find out”.
The second study by Knox, Sturdivant and Zusman (2001) was dedicated to the definition of sexual intimacy by the college students and analysis of the conditions, under which they wanted to have sexual intercourse. According to the results, it was possible to draw a conclusion that men were more likely than women to get into sexual intercourse with a partner that is scarcely known to them. It allowed us to hypothesize that likelihood to engage in casual sex is positively correlated with the likelihood to cheat. Thus, the participants who agree with the statement “I would engage in casual sex” will be more likely to agree with the statement “I would cheat on my partner if I knew s/he would never find out”.
The variables of interest in this research were the opinions of men and women towards the reality of cheating and its concealing from the partner, and whether it was possible for the respondents to cheat if the other partner will never find out. In order to obtain these variables, questionnaires were composed and sent via email to 20 people. After informing about the security and privacy aspects, respondents answered the given questions and sent back the result, which allowed for gathering the data base of answers and drawing of conclusions.
The study can make a valuable contribution into the research knowledge due to its thorough analysis of certain aspects of the cheating reality, adding to the aspects already analyzed before. People can use the information obtained for this research and its conclusions to understand the main driving forces of both men and women when they are cheating on each other in relationships, which can be further used to help people in relationships understand each other and overcome problems. The theme of cheating is very important for well-being establishment in the society, which is why it calls for attention of scientists and researchers.
References:
Knox, D., Sturdivant, L., Zusman, M. (2001). College student attitudes toward sexual intimacy. College Student Journal, 35(2), 241-243.
Knox, D., Vail-Smith, K., Zusman, M. (2008). Men are dogs': Is the stereotype justified? Data on the cheating college male. College Student Journal, 42(4), 1015-1022.
