Why Cheating Happens

Amey Stone (http://www.businessweek.com/the_thread/wellspent) attended a luncheon by David Callahan (http://www.cheatingculture.com) who addressed what he called an epidemic of cheating in the country. Mr. Callahan referred to the "audit triangle" now commonly used in auditing texts--opportunity, rationalization/excuse, stimulus (often a threat to the potential cheater's well-being). Among the reasons given for the increase in cheating were increased workplace pressure and a sense that one could not succeed without cheating. The net result--the "everybody's doing it" phrase that many use as a pre-teen to defer bedtime or which some use or hear as a teen when dating.

Final question: Could the reduced participation in religious activities nationwide compared to 40-50 years ago and corresponding lessened fear of after-life consequences have any impact here?