Investigating Infidelity

Infidelity can be the most destructive thing that can happen to a relationship ? causing anguish, depression and guilt ? but what makes people who have affairs different from those that don?t?

Marianne Quick, a lecturer in Psychology at Edge Hill, is to investigate the personality traits of those who are unfaithful and is on the hunt for people who are married or in long-term relationships and have had an affair.

Whilst other research into this subject has tended to focus on the demographics of people that stray, for example their age, sex, profession and the frequency of their affairs, Marianne will be focusing on how someone?s personality can make them more, or less, open to temptation.

"In order to establish any trends I need to assess the personality characteristics of people who have been unfaithful and more importantly look at how people construct the reasons for their affair," said Marianne. "I will talk to each participant in a completely confidential one-to-one interview lasting about an hour and this information will be used alongside the results of a short questionnaire.

"I can?t stress enough that all the information given will be treated with complete confidence."

There are many different theories as to why people have affairs, ranging from evolutionary (the need to spread genetic material) to attachment (how secure or insecure we feel in a relationship). This present study aims to explore existing theories and ultimately uncover factors that determine the differences in people who have affairs from those who do not.

At the end of the project, feedback will be provided to participants who request it.

If you are willing to be interviewed by Marianne, please call her on 01695 584245, or email her at quickm@edgehill.ac.uk.