More than 60% of women in serious relationships have cheated on their partners, a survey in a women's magazine has revealed.

But of those who were unfaithful, Women's Journal found that 36% did so with work colleagues and 52% with friends - suggesting most women who embark on flings are after more than just sex.

Most respondents to the survey who confessed to having affairs said they had done so only out of unhappiness or because their relationships were about to end anyway.

The findings, to be published in next month's issue, have scotched the stereotype of "love rats" largely being male.

Despite this, the survey shows that, while 8% of respondents define even lustful thoughts as infidelity, 52% would only draw the line at full sex.

'We are amazed'

However, it reveals that only 12% of unfaithful women have had one-night stands while in serious relationships, and 30% have been consistently unfaithful.

Women's Journal editor Elsa McAlonan said: "We were really surprised by the results.

"In the news every day we keep seeing strong women compromised by the behaviour of unfaithful men, but the reality is obviously more complex.

"We are amazed that our survey revealed that 64% of women in serious relationships have been unfaithful - it obviously takes two to tango."

Other findings include the fact that 60% of those questioned had been cheated on by their partner.