Surprisingly a recent study shows that men who experience performance anxiety are more likely to delve into infidelity; below we will explore the potential reasoning, explaining how and why this perplexing situation occurs.
While this idea may (at first) appear counterproductive, a deeper look reveals that most men associate their sexual performance with personal value and a sense of “manhood.” Furthermore, once proven faulty, unreliable, or unsatisfactory to their mate, a man is likely to experience doubt, which can cause a decreased sense of value. Allowing these fears and lack of confidence to linger can cause a vicious cycle which becomes difficult to overcome despite the support of a female counterpart. This is only made worse if the woman uses it as a point of ridicule or outwardly expresses disappointment.
So under these circumstances, a man may seek a new opportunity, one with a clean slate and devoid of expectations such as a one night stand, to overcome these issues that they are experiencing.
While the study suggests that risk-taking men who are easily aroused are more likely to cheat, it also affirmed a stereotypical concept that women are in search of an emotional/romantic connection with their spouse. When this connection is short-circuited and a woman loses a sense of intimacy and appreciation, the connection becomes compromised and that’s when cheating occurs.
Furthermore, the study suggests that characteristics which were previously considered as important indicators of potential infidelity, such as education, income and religion/spirituality are not necessarily the strongest indicators; rather, personal traits such as risk-taking and the performance anxiety described above serve as a better indication.
While a simple conclusion that men draw on carnal instincts, while women seek deeper emotion-driven relationship could be drawn; in reality, infidelity can stem from a wide range of issues such as personal insecurity, a lack of self-worth or a disconnect regarding the expectations of the roles of a spouse within a relationship. Communicating these issues and working through them rather allowing things to build a divide between you and your spouse can be the difference between a strong healthy relationship, and one that is on the path of failure.
