The Role of Attachment Styles in Infidelity

Attachment theory, initially developed by John Bowlby and Mary Main, posits that our early childhood experiences with primary caregivers shape our expectations and behaviors in adult relationships. These early interactions create internal working models that influence how we perceive ourselves and others, ultimately determining our attachment style. Understanding these attachment styles—secure, anxious-preoccupied, dismissive-avoidant, and fearful-avoidant—provides a crucial lens through which to examine the dynamics of infidelity.

Securely attached individuals, who experienced consistent and responsive caregiving in childhood, tend to form healthy, trusting relationships. They are comfortable with intimacy and autonomy, making them less likely to seek external validation through infidelity. Conversely, those with insecure attachment styles may be more vulnerable to cheating. Anxious-preoccupied individuals, fearing abandonment, might engage in affairs to seek reassurance or test their partner's commitment. Dismissive-avoidant individuals, who suppress their need for intimacy, may cheat as a way to maintain emotional distance and control.