Why people cheat—and can relationships recover, with Galena Rhoades, PhD

Infidelity functions as a dynamic betrayal of trust, defined less by specific acts and more by the violation of established relationship expectations. Dr. Galena Rhoades, director of the Institute for Relationship Science, notes that while traditional research often links cheating to relationship dissatisfaction, it frequently stems from situational opportunity and the increased accessibility of partners through digital platforms. Modern technology, including social media and AI chatbots, further complicates these boundaries by creating new avenues for emotional intimacy that can feel as damaging as physical affairs. Clinical recovery requires a structured approach: containing the immediate impact, analyzing the underlying motivations for the betrayal, and intentionally redefining the relationship's future. Ultimately, navigating the aftermath of infidelity involves addressing the trauma of the betrayal while determining whether the partnership can be rebuilt on new, mutually agreed-upon terms.