Support for LAist comes from
Local and national news, NPR, things to do, food recommendations and guides to Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire
Stay Connected
Listen
Podcasts AirTalk
Why do 40 percent of marriages experience at least one episode of infidelity?
solid blue rectangular banner
()
AirTalk Tile 2024
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

May 29, 2013
Listen 25:07
Why do 40 percent of marriages experience at least one episode of infidelity?
Is cheating more common that we would like to admit? Is it becoming more prevalent in our society because of technology and social media?
Psychiatrist and marriage expert Dr. Scott Haltzman's new book, “The Secrets of Surviving Infidelity”
Psychiatrist and marriage expert Dr. Scott Haltzman's new book, “The Secrets of Surviving Infidelity”
(
Infidelity bookcover
)

Is cheating more common that we would like to admit? Is it becoming more prevalent in our society because of technology and social media?

Is cheating more common that we would like to admit? Is it becoming more prevalent in our society because of technology and social media?

Psychiatrist and marriage expert Dr. Scott Haltzman calculates that about 40 percent of marriages have suffered from infidelity. Although this is a rough number, Haltzman’s new book, “The Secrets of Surviving Infidelity” examines why so many people have had affairs and if a marriage can survive after infidelity.

Haltzman believes the formula for infidelity is a combination of need, opportunity, and the inability to control impulses. However, certain personality types and medical conditions, as well as those with high profiles, can also increase the potential of committing extramarital affairs.

How can a marriage survive after infidelity? When should a couple try to work it out and when should they call it quits? Can trust ever be regained?

Guest:
Dr. Scott Haltzman, M.D., psychiatrist and marriage expert, author of “The Secrets of Surviving Infidelity” and “The Secrets of Happily Married Men: Eight Ways to Win Your Wife's Heart Forever” (Jossey-Bass, 2007)

Credits
Host, AirTalk
Host, All Things Considered, AirTalk Friday
Senior Producer, AirTalk & FilmWeek
Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Associate Producer, AirTalk & FilmWeek
Apprentice News Clerk, AirTalk
Apprentice News Clerk, FilmWeek