Essay about Infidelity and the Science of Cheating by...

Infidelity and the Science of Cheating by Sharon Begley Through research psychologists and other researchers have claimed that sexual infidelity effects both men and women differently. In addition, their beliefs on sexual infidelity differ. There have been many theories about the occurrence of infidelity, and most researchers have different opinions about these theories. Researchers from the article Infidelity and the Science of Cheating, written by Sharon Begley, have asked the following question to different ethnic groups of all ages and of both sexes: what distresses them more, emotional infidelity or sexual betrayal? The results were women find emotional infidelity more disturbing than men do, and men find sexual betrayal more†¦show more content†¦Evolutionary psychologists argue that the jealousy gender gap is a legacy to humankind’s past, and these genes shape how we think feel and act. These psychologists believe the reason why men go crazy over adultery is because it is embedded into their genes. This bothers men because they can never be sure of paternity. For example, if a woman strays from her partner there are possibilities she could become impregnated. Hence, her partner would be supporting another man’s child. Another theory scientists offer to explain sexual infidelity looks at â€Å"reasonable differences betwe en the sexes in how they interpret evidence of infidelity (58).; This may explain the gender gap. This means that a man thinks that a woman will only have sex when she is in love, and if she has sex with someone else she loves him too. So, as Sharon Begley states, â€Å"sexual infidelity means emotional infidelity as well (58).; However, men also believe that a woman can also have an emotionally intimate, non-sexual relationship with another man. This is what university psychologists call a â€Å"double shot (59); of infidelity. Therefore, sexual infidelity is more threatening to either men or women than simply emotional infidelity. Sharon Begley believes that â€Å"women are evolutionary programmed to become more distressed at emotional infidelity than sexual infidelity (58).; She believes