The Psychology of Infidelity & How to Improve Your Executive Function

This episode of "Something You Should Know" delves into two fascinating aspects of human behavior: the complex psychology behind infidelity and the crucial role of executive function in our daily lives. We hear from Dr. Glenn Hutchinson, a clinical psychologist and behavioral researcher, who sheds light on why people betray those they love, and from Adrian Owen, a professor of cognitive neuroscience, who explains how to understand and improve our brain's control system.

Unpacking Infidelity: Beyond the Obvious Reasons

Dr. Glenn Hutchinson, author of "Unfaithful Minds: The Science and Psychology of Infidelity," challenges common assumptions about why people cheat. He notes that while many believe infidelity stems from unhappiness or a broken relationship, the reality is far more nuanced. Estimates suggest that about 25% of men and 20% of women will, at some point during their marriage, act unfaithfully. However, these numbers are difficult to pin down due to the sensitive nature of the topic.

Hutchinson explains that the motivations for infidelity often differ between genders. Women frequently report that they were seeking something at home they weren't getting, particularly in terms of emotional connection. For men, it's often a sexual opportunity. However, these are broad trends, and individual cases are highly unique, with many factors playing a role.