[Survey] Over 60% Worsen the Situation with Their Initial Action After Suspecting Infidelity
A survey by CORE Inc. found that over 60% of people who suspect infidelity confront their partner directly, and over 70% of them report that this worsened the situation. The findings reveal that the initial action significantly impacts the ability to secure evidence and repair the relationship.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 7, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 7, 2026 at 10:30
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 00:07 (325h 36m after Collected)
CORE Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Chihiro Suzuki) analyzed the relationship between 'actions taken immediately after suspicion' and 'subsequent outcomes' based on consultation data on infidelity and cheating, as well as a proprietary questionnaire (1,284 valid responses).
This survey revealed that in infidelity issues, more than the existence of the affair itself, the difference in initial actions has a significant impact on the difficulty of obtaining evidence, the prolongation of the problem, mental burden, and financial risks.
■ Survey Background
In recent years, consultations regarding infidelity and affairs are increasingly treated not just as simple fact-checking but as complex issues involving:
- Sorting out the relationship
- Deciding on divorce or separation
- Alimony and legal responses
- Dealing with psychological damage
Among these, a common sentiment heard in consultations is:
'The situation worsened because I made the wrong first move.'
Furthermore, with the spread of smartphones and SNS, behavior has become more secretive, and the difficulty of obtaining evidence once a partner becomes wary has increased compared to the past.
This survey focuses on this 'initial action' and analyzes the relationship between actions and outcomes.
■ Survey Overview
- Survey Period: October 2025 to March 2026
- Survey Target: Individuals consulting about infidelity/affairs and the general public (men and women)
- Valid Responses: 1,284
- Survey Method: Questionnaire survey and quantitative/qualitative analysis of consultation records
■ Comment from CORE Inc. Counselor
Having received many consultations, we conducted this survey with the hope of reducing the number of people who regret their first step.
Infidelity issues affect not only the facts but also subsequent decisions and relationships.
We believe it is crucial to have an objective perspective, especially in the early stages when emotions are volatile.
Therefore, this survey focused on analyzing the 'initial action'.
■ Survey Result ①｜63.4% 'Confronted the person directly'
The most common initial action when suspecting infidelity was
'Confronted the person directly' at 63.4%
This was the result.
■ Survey Result ②｜72.1% felt the 'situation worsened'
Among those who confronted their partner directly,
- Behavior patterns changed: 68.7%
- It became harder to get evidence: 61.3%
- Frequency of contact decreased: 57.9%
- The relationship deteriorated: 52.4%
These changes were confirmed.
FAQ
If you suspect cheating, what should you do first?
According to the survey, it is highly recommended to stay calm and gather objective information first, as directly confronting the person may worsen the situation.
Why does directly confronting the person make the situation worse?
Because the person may become wary, hide evidence, or change their behavior patterns, making it more difficult to uncover the truth.
Who conducted this survey?
This survey was conducted by CORE Inc., which provides consultations and investigations related to infidelity, based on 1,284 data points.