Three major problems arise when infidelity information is compiled: self-selection of those who want to participate in a survey to confess, those who lie about it, and too small a sample size, perhaps just 100 to 200 people.

The most consistent source for accuracy: Interviews conducted from the National Science Foundation's General Social Survey by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC).

Numbers involved:  About 2,000 people a year surveyed with over 15,000 interviewed since 1988,

Who is surveyed:  A nationally representative sample of 300-400 neighborhoods across America conducted by NORC, University of Chicago.

How NORC solved the problem of lying:  I talked with Tom W. Smith, Ph.D, director of the Society and Culture section, and Dr. Smith said: “We do face-to-face interviews. However, when we come to the section on sexual behavior, the computer screen is turned around and faces only the respondent, to improve forthrightness."

But Dr. Smith emphasized, “One person may cheat only once in 20 years, while another may cheat every year for 20 years. Exact figures are difficult to ascertain.”

(I will address the "lying" issue found in face-to-face interviews in an upcoming Fast Facts.)

Also, the questions asked are consistent -- see links to other Infidelity Fast Facts, Love.

ON THE LOVE SIDE

What do accurate cheating statistics mean for wives?  The numbers are low.  Look for love signs and not cheating clues. Be cautious about the advice you follow. Dangers of 'arm chair' marriage advice and cheating scares midst France infidelity rumors.

And if you seriously believe your spouse is cheating:

• Confront in a gentle way
• Find a marriage counselor or psychiatrist
• If you must "know" the truth, stop snooping and hire a private investigator who is an infidelity expert.
• Work to save your marriage not end it.

Regarding counseling -- check qualifications.

• A degree that qualifies them to see patients such as an MD,  PhD, MSW
• Be certain they are licensed to see patients in their state
• What articles or books of theirs were reviewed and endorsed by their peers?
• What memberships do they hold in nationally respected organizations for counseling patients?

Have you read?

• Infidelity Fast Facts, Love: fewer than 20 percent ever cheat
• Infidelity: Fast Facts, Love: only 5 percent of men cheat annually
• Infidelity Fast Facts, Love: fewer than 3 percent of women cheat each year

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Rita Watson, MPH, Biography / Rita Watson: Relationships, National Syndication via Newstex

Copyright 2010 Rita Watson