Theories
This gender is more likely to cheat in an effort to spread their genes and have more children with different partners.
What is men?
Narcissistic individuals are more focused on meeting these two ideals in relationships rather than warmth and intimacy.
What are attractiveness and success?
Audiences are drawn to flawed, morally gray characters who challenge traditional ideas of right and wrong.
What is The Rise of "Messy" & Complex Characters?
This British royal’s highly publicized affair with Camilla Parker Bowles was a major scandal during his marriage to Princess Diana.
Who is King Charles III?
Women may cheat to find better ______ for their children or to get more ______ for raising them.
What are genes and support?
Narcissists with this attachment style are more likely to be unfaithful due to feelings of uncertainty in their relationship.
What is Anxious Attachment Style?
Recent portrayals of infidelity in shows like The Affair and Anatomy of a Scandal frame cheating as an act of empowerment, particularly for women reclaiming autonomy in their relationships.
What is The “Female Liberation” Narrative?
In her song “Sorry,” Beyoncé refers to Jay Z's mistress by this nickname.
What is Becky with the good hair
This is the primary motivation for women when it comes to cheating.
What are emotional reasons or to feel more secure?
Narcissists with this attachment style may not cheat as often because they are already emotionally detached from their relationship.
What is Dismissive Attachment Style?
This modern influence exposes people to diverse perspectives on relationships, making infidelity seem less black-and-white and more about emotional or personal fulfillment.
Social Media & Changing Cultural Norms
In her song “Before He Cheats,” Carrie Underwood describes some actions she took to get back at her cheating partner. Name at least two of them.
What is:
1. Digging her keys into his into the side of his pretty little souped up four-wheel drive
2. Carving her name into his leather seats
3. Taking a Louisville slugger to both headlights
4. Slashing a hole in all four tires
According to research, this gender has historically been more likely to cheat, though the gap has narrowed in recent years.
What is men?
This attachment style makes narcissists hesitate more when it comes to cheating.
What is Fearful Attachment Style?
In media, infidelity is often portrayed as passionate, exciting, and rebellious, playing into the idea of forbidden love as an escape from the mundane aspects of long-term relationships.
What is Escapism & Fantasy?
This pop star’s alleged affair with an actor from SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical caused controversy, as both were reportedly involved in a relationship while working on a high-profile Broadway production of Wicked.
Who is Ariana Grande?
Historically, society has often accepted or even expected infidelity from ____, while harshly judging it when committed by_____.
What are men and women?
Narcissistic individuals might have a stronger tendency to cheat due to these two traits, which drive them to seek external validation.
What are vulnerability and approval-seeking?
Unlike older media that framed infidelity purely as a moral failing, modern narratives often explore the deep ______ and ______ reasons behind it, challenging viewers’ perceptions.
What are emotional and psychological?
This love triangle became a media frenzy in the early 2000s after this actor’s marriage to a popular television star ended, shortly before he began a relationship with his co-star from a film about an adventurous spy couple. The timing led to widespread speculation about infidelity.
Who is Brad Pitt?