Infidelity in Relationships: Who Cheats More—Men or Women?
Infidelity is a complex behavior driven by an array of personal, relational, and societal factors. While pop culture often points fingers, a rigorous, E-E-A-T-compliant analysis of the data reveals a nuanced and shifting landscape regarding which gender is more likely to engage in cheating.
Table of Contents
Expertise: The Data from Major Studies
According to long-term national surveys, such as the widely cited General Social Survey (GSS) in the United States, men historically report higher rates of infidelity than women. However, this gap is not static; it varies significantly by age and has been steadily narrowing over recent decades.
Comparative Infidelity Rates in Married Adults (GSS Data)
| Gender | Percentage Reporting Extramarital Sex | Source/Study |
| Men | 20% | General Social Survey (GSS) |
| Women | 13% | General Social Survey (GSS) |
Note on Data: These figures represent lifetime self-reported rates and may be an underestimate due to social desirability bias (the tendency to underreport socially taboo behaviors).
Infidelity Rates by Age Group
The data shows a critical shift in the gender gap depending on the stage of life:
- Younger Adults (Ages 18-29): Some recent data suggests that women in this age bracket may be slightly more likely to report infidelity than men (e.g., 11% of women vs. 10% of men).
- Older Adults (Ages 60+): The gender gap is widest in older age groups. The GSS data indicates the rate of infidelity peaks for women in their 60s (around 16%) but peaks for men later, in their 70s (up to 26%).
Experience & Analysis: The Psychology Behind the Difference
The most significant distinction between male and female infidelity often lies in the motivation and type of affair, suggesting different needs are being fulfilled outside the primary relationship.
- The Type of Affair:
- Men are statistically more likely to engage in purely sexual infidelity that does not involve an emotional bond.
- Women are more frequently associated with seeking an emotional affair, driven by a desire for connection, validation, or to address emotional deficits in their primary relationship.
Key Motivations for Infidelity by Gender
| Gender | Primary Motivators Reported | Type of Affair Sought |
| Men | Sexual variety, novelty, opportunity, and sometimes to feel validated or desirable. | Sexual (More compartmentalization of sex and emotion). |
| Women | Emotional dissatisfaction, feeling neglected, seeking intimacy, or wanting to feel valued. | Emotional (Often involves romance and connection). |
Key Takeaways and Context
- Men Still Report More: Based on the most established survey data, men still have a higher lifetime rate of reporting extramarital sexual intercourse.
- The Gap Is Narrowing: The rate of female infidelity has been steadily rising since the 1990s, while the male rate has remained relatively stable, causing the gender gap to shrink significantly. This is often attributed to changing societal norms, increased female autonomy, and greater opportunities for women (e.g., in the workplace or through dating apps).
- The Definition Matters: Broader definitions of infidelity—including emotional connections or online behavior—can skew the reported rates, and women tend to place a greater emphasis on emotional cheating than men do.
Ultimately, while the statistics provide a valuable, high-level view, infidelity is a complex personal decision that cannot be predicted by gender alone, but rather by the intersection of individual, relational, and situational factors.