Infidelity Through Three Lenses

A Comparative Analysis Between Infidelity Perpetrator, Victim, and Loyal

Bibliographic Data

ID11275600
AuthorsParvati Varma (0000-0003-4704-6500, Xavier University, corresponding author), Saurabh Maheshwari (0000-0001-5948-6541, Sikkim University)
Year2026
Pages1-19
Publication date2026-01-29
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueDeviant Behavior (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0163-9625 • E-ISSN: 1521-0456
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/01639625.2026.2618743
OpenAlexW7126186918
LanguageEN
References cited89

The present study examines how people’s perspectives differ regarding their relationships and the reasons leading to infidelity, depending on their role in the infidelity. A survey was conducted among 622 participants (Mage = 24.46) from Sikkim, India, comparing three groups: infidelity perpetrators (n = 196), victims (n = 200), and loyals (n = 226). Results indicate significant disparities among the groups regarding their perceived power, relationship satisfaction, need fulfillment, and trust. It also shows that, depending on their role in the infidelity experience, they perceive different reasons for infidelity to be important. The comparison between different infidelity groups provides a three-lens perspective on the experience in romantic relationships.

Affect (linguistics · General strain theory · Poison control · Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Psychology of Moral and Emotional Judgment · Psychology of Social Influence

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