In this episode of The Science of Sex podcast hosts Joe Pardavila and Dr. Zhana spoke with Kayla Knopp, the lead author on a study that focuses on the likelihood of “serial cheating” in individuals. Professor of human sexuality, Dr Zhana, and comedian, Joe Pardavila, sit down each week with a new sex researcher to talk about the latest information on anything and everything to do with sex. This episode is not the latest broadcast from the podcast, but such a great one we decided to recirculate it in case you missed it.
This particular episode is approximately one hour long and the main topic is about the science of cheating, and what factors might lead to cheating. Although there is a large body of research addressing predictors of relationship infidelity, no study to our knowledge has specifically addressed infidelity in previous relationships as a risk factor for infidelity in a subsequent relationship. The study led by Kayla Knopp, PhD., studied and addressed the risk for serial infidelity by following adult participants over the course of five years. Past habits, narcissistic personality traits, the concept of what constitutes cheating…all of these and more play a role in trying to understand the science of cheating. While shining light on some interesting statistics found in Knopp’s study, the hosts also discuss another factor of infidelity: whether cheating itself is the problem (and what do we consider cheating anyway?!), or are our sometimes draconian ideas about monogamy the real culprit?
But that’s not all! Not only is this episode full of some interesting ideas about cheating, it also touches briefly on the trend of anal sex and the dangers of younger people experimenting with it if they don’t do it safely. Pardavila hilariously quips “…bad anal sex is like bad sushi, it can be dangerous…”. They also briefly discuss vasectomies and statistics on men having more sex or stronger erections after the vasectomy.
This fantastic science-based podcast is a great eye-opener to have you asking yourself, or your partner some great questions. It can help your own self growth or make for some interesting conversations at your next dinner party. Listen to the full podcast here. And lucky for us, there are dozens of episodes in total of this great series, so tune in and get your science on!