Studies on relationships question infidelity in couples
Joshua Vaughan
Issue date: 2/8/10 Section: Features
Tiger Woods is no longer just one of the greatest golfers of all time. John Edwards is no longer just a former presidential candidate form North Carolina.
With their recent philandering occupying headlines over the past few months, these two men have become poster boys for infidelity. However, they are not alone. As long as there has been media coverage there have been high profile cases of infidelity. The divorce rate has consistently been over 50 percent for the past decade.
Taking these facts into consideration, as well as observing the actions of students around campus, is it safe now to beg the question: are monogamous relationships still a legitimate and achievable ideal in American society?
According to research by Dr. G.A. Schulling for the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, humans are one of just 3-5 percent of the 4,000 total mammalian species that still practice monogamy. His research also includes data stating that within the human species only about 15 percent of cultures are monogamous.
The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy has found that 15 percent of wives, and 25 percent of husbands have experienced extramarital intercourse. Research conducted by Michael Wiederman and Catherine Hurd from Ball State University found that of over 600 test subjects, all 19-years-old, 75 percent of men and 68 percent of women had engaged in at least one case of infidelity.
The aforementioned research suggests that human beings, especially those of college age, have a hard time staying with just one partner. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, and all of this monogamously ominous data on the table it seems prudent to ask the student body what they think about marriage, dating and infidelity.
Elementary Education major Michael Barbee suggests that infidelity is a matter of physical greed, "People cheat because people are greedy and want everything they can get their hands on," he said.
With their recent philandering occupying headlines over the past few months, these two men have become poster boys for infidelity. However, they are not alone. As long as there has been media coverage there have been high profile cases of infidelity. The divorce rate has consistently been over 50 percent for the past decade.
Taking these facts into consideration, as well as observing the actions of students around campus, is it safe now to beg the question: are monogamous relationships still a legitimate and achievable ideal in American society?
According to research by Dr. G.A. Schulling for the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, humans are one of just 3-5 percent of the 4,000 total mammalian species that still practice monogamy. His research also includes data stating that within the human species only about 15 percent of cultures are monogamous.
The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy has found that 15 percent of wives, and 25 percent of husbands have experienced extramarital intercourse. Research conducted by Michael Wiederman and Catherine Hurd from Ball State University found that of over 600 test subjects, all 19-years-old, 75 percent of men and 68 percent of women had engaged in at least one case of infidelity.
The aforementioned research suggests that human beings, especially those of college age, have a hard time staying with just one partner. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, and all of this monogamously ominous data on the table it seems prudent to ask the student body what they think about marriage, dating and infidelity.
Elementary Education major Michael Barbee suggests that infidelity is a matter of physical greed, "People cheat because people are greedy and want everything they can get their hands on," he said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
sharongilo
posted 2/10/10 @ 4:54 PM EST
I hope marriage isn't just a phase to go through, especially when there are children involved. As a marriage therapist for years I've seen too much happiness with divorce . (Continued…)
LisaG
posted 2/10/10 @ 10:01 PM EST
Married now for 20 yrs. Only 3 yrs. into the marriage with a 10 m.o. at home my hubby strayed. I was shocked and devastated. He paid a heavy price for his deed with the ups and downs of my emotions, lots of therapy, the embarassment and humiliation among friends, family. (Continued…)
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