Why Do People Cheat? Understanding the Psychology Behind Infidelity

August 20, 2025 thepsycho wellness

Infidelity is one of the most painful betrayals of trust in a partnership. Whether emotional or physical, cheating can shatter the foundation of even the most seemingly healthy relationships. But why do people cheat? What drives someone to break the trust of their partner? As relationship counsellors and mental health professionals often explain, infidelity is rarely just about desire or opportunity—it’s often rooted in deeper psychological and emotional issues.

In this blog, we’ll explore the psychology behind cheating, common emotional triggers, and how relationship counselling, including therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), can help couples heal and rebuild.

Table of Contents

The Psychological Roots of Infidelity

Cheating is rarely a spur-of-the-moment decision. More often, it stems from unresolved emotional wounds, unmet needs, or underlying mental health issues. Here are some of the most common psychological reasons people cheat:

1. Unresolved Trauma

People who have experienced trauma, especially in childhood, may struggle with intimacy, trust, or attachment. Unhealed wounds can lead to emotional detachment or risky behavior in adult relationships, including infidelity.

2. Low Self-Esteem

Someone with low self-esteem may cheat to feel validated, wanted, or admired. The attention from someone new can become a temporary boost to their fragile self-worth.

3. Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Mental health challenges like anxiety, stress, or depression can drive a person to seek escapism. In such cases, cheating isn’t about love or lust—it’s about distracting oneself from emotional pain or hopelessness.

4. Anger and Resentment

In some relationships, unresolved conflict or neglect leads to deep-seated anger. Some partners cheat as a form of retaliation or as a cry for attention.

5. Insomnia and Emotional Instability

Sleep deprivation due to insomnia or emotional dysregulation can impair judgment and increase impulsivity. When emotional needs are unmet and self-control is low, boundaries can be crossed more easily.

How Relationship Counselling Can Help

Healing after infidelity takes time, commitment, and professional support. Whether you’re struggling after a betrayal or want to strengthen your bond, relationship counselling or couple counselling can be incredibly effective.

What Does a Relationship Counsellor Do?

A trained relationship counsellor or couple counsellor helps partners:

Understand the root cause of infidelity
Improve communication and emotional intimacy
Rebuild trust and set healthy boundaries
Heal from past trauma or mental health challenges

For couples in Delhi, Relationship Counselling in Delhi and Couple Counselling in Delhi are available both in-person and through Online Counselling platforms like TalktoAngel and Psychowellness Center—some of the most trusted names in mental health care.

Therapies That Can Help

Two of the most effective evidence-based therapies for emotional healing and relationship recovery are:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify and challenge negative thinking patterns that lead to unhealthy behaviors, like cheating. For problems like anxiety, depression, rage, and low self-esteem, it works incredibly well.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) focuses on emotional regulation and is useful for people struggling with intense emotions, impulsivity, or post-traumatic stress disorder. It can also be effective in repairing relationship dynamics.

Choosing the Right Support

Seeking help from the top psychologist in India or the best therapist in India can make a world of difference in recovering from infidelity. If you’re looking for professional help, consider these top-rated options:

Psychowellness Center – A best mental health wellness clinic in Delhi, offering expert counselling for individuals and couples.
TalktoAngel – A trusted online counsellor platform, providing confidential and accessible online therapy across India.

Final Thoughts: Healing is Possible

Cheating or Infidelity need not be the reason for the breakup of a relationship. With the right support, understanding, and commitment, couples can emerge stronger, more connected, and more emotionally aware than ever before.

Don’t delay if you or your partner are having difficulties. Reach out to a certified couple counsellor, or try online counselling to take the first step toward maintaining a healthy relationship.

Ready to Talk?

Connect with the Best Psychologist in India today at TalktoAngel or Psychowellness Center—your trusted partners in emotional healing and relationship counselling.

Reference (APA 7th Edition):

TalktoAngel. (n.d.). Online counselling and therapy from the best psychologists in India. https://www.talktoangel.com/

If you’d like to cite Psychowellness Center as well, here’s a second reference:

Psychowellness Center. (n.d.). Best psychologist in India & mental health wellness clinic in Delhi. https://www.psychowellnesscenter.com/