Scientists reveal the real reason why people cheat in relationships and it could explain celebrity affairs

Infidelity is more often than not the main deal-breaker for many in romantic relationships, and those whose partner has cheated on them sometimes may look for some explanation as to why it's happened.

And dating experts have been quick to offer their opinions, with one offering six reasons that she believes explain why women may choose to cheat on their partners, while another revealed the common 'justifications' cheating partners gave as a reason.

Meanwhile, one study also suggested there could even be 'evolutionary drivers' behind some infidelities.

There have been some pretty famous cases of infidelity among celebrities over the years, like Kris Jenner and Bill Clinton; however, new research has looked into possible reasons why powerful people may decide to cheat.

Scientists have been looking into the link between power and cheating (Getty Stock Photo)

The study - which was conducted by scientists at Reichman University in Israel and Rochester University in the US - looked at the link between infidelity and power and found that people in positions of power could be more likely to be unfaithful in a romantic relationship.

Lead author, Professor Gurit Birnbaum, explained that in these relationships, the 'person in power' could believe they 'have more options' elsewhere.

"In a romantic relationship, these power dynamics might lead the more powerful partner to think they bring more to the table than their less powerful partner," she said.

"The more powerful might see this as a sign that they have more options outside the relationship and are more desirable partners in general."

In the study, the team carried out four pieces of research on people who had been in monogamous relationships for at least four months.

The study found that people in positions of power could be more likely to be unfaithful in a romantic relationship (Getty Stock Photo)

To understand the role that power plays in relationships - and cheating - individuals were first asked to recall a time they felt powerful or a typical day in their relationship.

They then had to write a sexual fantasy about another person as well as looking at a series of photos and deciding if they would consider having an affair with any of the people they had seen.

Next up, a third experiment saw participants asked to complete a task with a stranger before evaluating their sexual desire towards that person.

Finally, every day for three weeks, couples had to report on the power dynamic in their relationship, including how they valued themselves as a partner as well as any sexual activity, fantasies or flirting with anyone who wasn't their partner.

The team carried out four pieces of research on people who had been in monogamous relationships (Getty Stock Photo)

"Those with a higher sense of power may feel motivated to disregard their commitment to the relationship and act on desires for short-term flings or potentially other, more novel partners if the opportunity arises," said Professor Harry Reis, co-author of the study.

"When people feel powerful and believe they have more relationship options than their current partner, they might be more inclined to pay attention to other potentially promising alternatives.

"The belief in having other options, like other possible partners, can weaken their commitment to their current relationship."

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