Having an affair significantly improves mental health, according to study

* Almost three-quarters (73%) of women surveyed said their affair had improved their mental health, boosting confidence and reducing stress.
* More than six in ten admitted they see their affairs as a form of “self-care” or “me time” to cope with daily pressures.
* Sex and relationships expert says the results show affairs are often used as a coping strategy, not just lust-driven behaviour.
* Study conducted by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s largest extramarital dating site

Women who cheat are reporting better mental health, according to new research which suggests infidelity is increasingly being used as a form of self-care.

A survey of 1,500 women carried out by IllicitEncounters.com, the UK’s leading affairs dating site, found that almost three-quarters (73%) of those who had an affair said it had significantly improved their mental health. Many described reduced stress, higher confidence and a rediscovery of identity outside of their roles as partners, mothers, or employees.

The study also revealed that more than six in ten women see their affairs as a form of “me time” or self-care to help cope with the demands of daily life, while a further 26% said they sometimes felt this way. 

When asked what had led them to stray, the most common drivers were emotional support and understanding (34%), the boost to self-esteem that comes from feeling desired (31%), and stress relief or an escape from routine (22%). Just one in ten said their primary motivation was physical excitement.

For many women, the emotional rewards outweighed the physical. Sarah*, a 42-year-old from Surrey who took part in the survey, explained: “I was drowning in responsibilities – work, kids, the house, and a marriage that had grown cold. I’d lost myself completely.

Having an affair gave me back a part of me I thought was gone forever. It wasn’t just about sex, it was about being seen, heard, and desired. Honestly, it’s been better for my head than any spa weekend.”

Sex and relationships expert Jessica Leoni from IllicitEncounters.com said the findings shine a light on a side of infidelity that is rarely discussed.

“The results challenge the stereotype that affairs are purely about lust or reckless behaviour. For many women, they function as a coping strategy – a way to reduce stress, feel desired and reconnect with their sense of self. While not everyone would view infidelity as a solution, there’s no denying that the women we surveyed overwhelmingly felt it had a positive impact on their mental health.”

Results
Do you view your affairs as a form of ‘me time’ or ‘self-care’ that helps you cope with daily life pressures?
Yes, absolutely: 65%
Sometimes: 26%
No, not really: 9%

What drove you to have an affair?
Emotional support/understanding: 34%
Feeling desired/boost to self-esteem: 31%
Stress relief/escape from routine: 22%
Purely physical excitement: 10%
Other: 3%