Many sayings reinforce that the infidel does not change and can always have that type of behavior. However, one study has specifically addressed that the one who betrays is more likely to do it again in a later relationship.
According to research published in PubliMed, Kayla Knopp and colleagues at the University of Denver, Colorado, followed the last two heterosexual romantic relationships of 484 adults.
Each participant answered questions about their own infidelity, as well as about the known and suspected infidelity of their partners in each relationship. The researchers defined infidelity as having had a sexual relationship with someone who is not your current partner.
After controlling for several variables, the team found that people who reported being unfaithful in their first relationship were three times more likely to cheat on their later partner compared to those who were not involved in betrayal.
Furthermore, those who suspected that their first partner had committed infidelity were four times more likely to have suspicions of infidelity in a later relationship.
“Some people may learn that these types of behavior are more acceptable or expected after experiencing them once, and therefore may become more tolerant of signs of infidelity in future couples.” they explained.
Despite the limitations, the team says the findings clearly demonstrate the need for researchers to take into account previous patterns of infidelity while developing an understanding of how it is possible to predict and intervene in this behavior.
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