Colleague and psychologist Dr. Frank Farley has an interesting op-ed over at the LA Times the other day about some of the underlying psychological motivations that may explain why politicians stray from their marriages.
In the article, Dr. Farley refers to the “Type T Personality” — the T stands for Thrill. He makes the argument that we elect the politicians we do because we’re drawn to their bold ideas, their intensity, their charisma. But those same qualities that may make them a good politician (we don’t really know, because there hasn’t been a lot of research done in this area yet), also may put them at greater risk for engaging in unethical relationship behavior, such as cheating on their spouse.
Politicians, like Hollywood celebrities, are also constantly surrounded by people who do nothing but look up to them, sing their praises — “yes” people. He notes that the politician is immersed in a set of people who are “adoring followers, campaign workers, office staff — all focused on pleasing the politician.” It may give someone an unrealistic belief that they above normal morals and ethics, and so cheating is “okay” (perhaps explaining former President Clinton’s tryst with an intern).
Before posting, please read our blog moderation guidelines. The comments below begin with the oldest comments first. Click on the last comments page to jump to the most recent comments.
Before posting, please read our blog moderation guidelines.
Post a Comment:
Copyright © 1995-2013 Psych Central. All rights reserved.
Site last updated: 22 May 2013
|
I believe you hit the nail on the head, Dr. Grohol. Entitlement/Arrogance (and its partner in crime, Lack of Empathy)are why most of these guys keep taking advantage of their victims and hurting their families. The opposite of “noblesse oblige”. (Assuming noblesse here are those who are powerful politicians). Also, if you look carefully these men choose those “lower” than themselves. It is, for most of us, an axiom that a person in authority does not have a relationship with someone “lower” in status. (Clinton-Intern, Schwartzenneger-Housekeeper, and so on).
I think the answer is much simpler–politicans cheat because most of them are power hungry sociopaths/narcissists who have little to no real regard for morals or other’s feelings. Most celebrities are doubtlessly narcissists who only care about themselves.
I’d always heard that risk takers are more likely to cheat. When I was reading Patrick Swayze’s autobiography recently, I realized that he was a risk taker, yet, supposedly, he never cheated on his wife of 33 years.
My husband of 30 years is a bit of a risk taker too, but he has never cheated on me.