Emotional infidelity is linked to a surprising mix of dark and light personality traits

A recent study reveals that emotional infidelity, a preoccupation with someone outside of a romantic relationship, is influenced by a combination of dark and light personality traits, as well as relationship dynamics. The research, published in Psychological Reports, challenges the traditional view that infidelity is solely driven by negative traits. Instead, it highlights the role of emotional sensitivity and other positive characteristics.

Researchers examined the interplay of Dark and Light Triad personality traits, sociosexuality (the willingness to engage in casual sex), and relationship satisfaction to predict the occurrence of extradyadic infatuation. The study involved 303 Romanian adults in committed relationships, who completed questionnaires assessing their personality traits, sociosexuality, and relationship satisfaction.

The findings indicate that individuals scoring higher on Light Triad traits, including high levels of humanism and faith in humanity, were less likely to report extradyadic infatuation. On the other hand, higher scores on Dark Triad traits, such as psychopathy and Machiavellianism, sociosexuality, and lower relationship satisfaction were associated with increased levels of infatuation.

Interestingly, the researchers found that the previously expected positive impact of humanism on infatuation was reversed, suggesting that emotional sensitivity could make people more susceptible to forming deep emotional connections with others outside their primary relationship. Conversely, Machiavellianism was found to negatively predict extradyadic infatiation, as people high in this trait might prefer detached, strategic interactions over intense emotional attachments.

Overall, the study demonstrates that extradyadic infatuation is influenced by a complex interplay of personality traits and relationship factors, challenging the notion that infidelity is solely a result of negative characteristics.