CapeTalk Highlights

When you think about all the reasons why people cheat, sex usually lands at the top of the list.

If a person is going behind their partner's back, and hooking up with someone else, we tend to assume that the main reason must be physical satisfaction, or the thrill of having sex with someone new.

But actually experts say sex and physical attraction aren't the only reasons why people have affairs.

Cheating is often, apparently, about so much more than just sex.

Behavioural scientist, clinical psychologist and host of the US-based KandKshow.com Dr Josh Klapow joined Cape Talk's Sara-Jayne King for 'Ask Dr Josh' to explain.

Very often it's about sex, AND a whole lot of other things.

— Dr Josh Klapow, behavioural scientist and clinical psychologist

So often we hate conflict...so as conflict builds, one or other party sees the opportunity to cheat as a way to feel better.

— Dr Josh Klapow, behavioural scientist and clinical psychologist

The other one you see is cheating as a way of exiting the relationship - that could be seen as the chicken's way out!

— Dr Josh Klapow, behavioural scientist and clinical psychologist

Dr Josh says often what constitutes cheating will vary person to person.

With the advent of social media we are seeing 'online' affairs and there is debate over whether that is 'cheating' or not.

— Dr Josh Klapow, behavioural scientist and clinical psychologist

Listen to the full interview below: