People sometimes erroneously believe that celebrities, politicians, and others in a position of power and influence aren’t susceptible to the same problems that plague the average Joe. In fact, the famous are not immune from the ills of society. Given certain personality traits and circumstances, they might be even more likely to commit such acts (surprise!). We’ve seen it time and time again. Former Senator Edwards, Rudolph Giuliani, Eliot Spitzer…and the long and very public list goes on and on.

Think about the traits that drive someone like the Governator and Dominque Strauss-Kahn to their positions: Type-A personalities, alpha-male, aggressive, and with Schwarzenegger, a huge ego to match his steroid-fueled biceps. In the case of politicians, you have people who take a risk, often are thrill-seekers, and are adrenalin junkies who thrive on the rush and excitement of being the center of attention. The larger-than-life ego, grand sense of entitlement, and narcissism that run amok are fertile grounds for trouble. Throw into the mix the strain that being in the political spotlight can have on the marriage as well as marital trouble that often comes with a busy lifestyle and being away from the spouse for extended periods of time and you have trouble waiting to happen.

Finally, I’d be amiss not to mention the powerful aphrodisiac that comes from being in a high political position or being a celebrity. Stardom is seductive and people might gravitate towards such figures. Unconsciously, or even consciously, people might feel that to be with someone wealthy and successful provides security. In the case of Monica and Bill, and perhaps Arnold’s housekeeper, there was probably a level of attraction based purely on the superstar status. Groupies abound and aren’t limited to just the music scene.

Jonathan Alpert is a licensed psychotherapist. Find him on Facebook and Twitter, and look for his new book, "BE FEARLESS: Change Your Life in 28 Days," this April.