Understanding The Psychological Impacts Of Cheating
Cheating can cause significant emotional pain for a partner. While the initial feeling of betrayal is common, there are often more complex emotional and psychological consequences for the person who was cheated on that may resemble symptoms of post-infidelity stress or cheating trauma. Below, we’ll explore the psychological impact and consequences of cheating in a relationship.
Cheating, whether sexual or emotional, can start a domino effect, from immediate emotional turmoil to long-term consequences like trust deficit, low self-esteem, and symptoms connected to post-traumatic stress.
Emotional turmoil
When finding out about a partner's affair, whether it was emotional or sexual infidelity, your immediate emotional responses may be overwhelming, and you may experience a mix of powerful feelings like betrayal, anger, sadness, and confusion. Betrayal may also cause a sense of profound loss and emptiness, while anger may seek to challenge the violation of trust. Sadness can cause loneliness or despair, and confusion can cause ongoing questions about the “why” and “how” of the past infidelity.
These emotions can persist long after the affair is revealed and may lead to mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and symptoms resembling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if not effectively addressed.
Trust complications
Self-esteem challenges
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and PTSD-like symptoms
If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.
Long-term psychological effects of cheating
Support after experiencing sexual and emotional infidelity
While many people benefit from in-person therapy sessions, people who experience depression or PTSD may have difficulty leaving the house to travel to in-person appointments. With online therapy, you can speak with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your own home. You can also message your therapist at any time, which may be helpful if you’re navigating symptoms of PTSD or depression throughout the day.
Takeaway
Professional intervention can be a highly effective means to address these complexities. It can provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for individuals to express their emotions, understand their reactions, and develop coping strategies. Consider reaching out to a professional online or in your area to get started.
What does being cheated on do to you psychologically? Does it cause anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder?
Some studies indicate that up to 60% of people who are cheated on by a romantic partner develop symptoms of anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. This can include people who are betrayed in marital relationships or other committed relationships.
How does a woman feel after being cheated on?
Both men and women may experience emotional distress after being cheated on, so there may be no significant gender differences in how people respond. Romantic betrayal can trigger a range of intense emotions, including shame, anger, disbelief, and deep sadness.
What is the psychological trauma of infidelity?
For many people, romantic infidelity is a traumatic experience that causes significant psychological harm. Some people refer to this as “betrayal trauma” or “post-infidelity stress disorder”. This traumatic incident can cause people to experience a loss of self-confidence, inability to trust future partners, and even flashbacks. Experts in family psychology say that the trauma affects the entire family, including any children the primary partners have.
Does the pain of cheating ever go away?
Yes. The pain of cheating can subside, but it may take some time. The healing process might vary from one person to the next, but there is hope for recovering from partner infidelity.
What happens to your brain after you get cheated on?
Research on infidelity suggests that there could be an influx of stress hormones that impact the brain when a person discovers their partner’s betrayal in a committed relationship. Existing literature also indicates a disruption of dopamine pathways, which can lead to feelings of despair.
How does cheating affect the person who cheated?
The person who cheated on their partner may also be negatively impacted by their decision to be unfaithful. Perhaps the most common consequence is feelings of guilt, shame, and remorse. Long-term effects could include symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Some people may even experience suicidal ideation.
What is the root cause of cheating?
There may be no single root cause for cheating. In fact, it can vary by person and circumstances. Still, some significant predictors of cheating may include insecurity, unhealthy boundaries, lack of sexual intimacy in the relationship, or past trauma. The person may also be unable or unwilling to communicate openly in their current relationship. A lack of transparent communication may be one of the leading causes of relationship problems, including infidelity.
How do men feel after cheating?
A husband’s infidelity may have consequences for both partners. Studies show that the vast majority of men (approximately 68%) feel regret and guilt after they’ve committed infidelity.
What feelings come with being cheated on?
Emotional reactions can vary depending on the individual and their unique circumstances and personality traits. Even so, common feelings associated with extramarital affairs include shock, denial, increased anxiety, anger, and sadness.
Does being cheated on change you or your mental health?
Yes. Infidelity can have significant effects on your mental health. Specifically, it may cause low self-esteem, insecurity, social anxiety, and trust issues. It could also trigger depression or cause you to avoid future relationships. Individual or family therapy could help you heal from these negative effects. Spending time with trusted friends and family members can also help in moving forward.
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