Does your partner or spouse have the cheating gene?

On Behalf of | Nov 25, 2014 | Family Law

When it comes to the laws of attraction, numerous factors often come into play. From how an individual looks to what he or she does for a living to life experiences; attraction and so-called chemistry is often necessary for the development of any romantic relationship.

Those factors that contribute to making a relationship last are often more complex. For many individuals, honesty and fidelity are among those traits desired and admired in a significant other. Individuals who, for whatever reason, lack these attributes are often more likely to cheat on a partner or spouse.

Human behavior is influenced by many things including one’s environment and genetic makeup. While cheating is often regarded as a character flaw and a behavior in which an individual engages of his or her own free will, the findings of a recent study indicate that, for some men and women, cheating may be in their genes.

The study, which was conducted by Australian researchers, included 7,300 identical and fraternal twins. All study participants were between the ages of 18 and 49 and in involved in long-term relationships. When questioned about whether or not they had cheated on a significant other within the last 12 months, nearly 10 percent of men and 6.4 percent of women answered yes.

Researchers then compared the percentage of identical vs. non-identical twins who admitted to cheating on a partner to determine a possible genetic link. Researchers were surprised to learn that 63 percent of cheating among men and 40 percent among women appeared to be attributable to genetic factors.

In women, researchers were even able to pinpoint a specific gene, AVPRIA; variations of which appear to increase the likelihood that a woman will cheat. The results of the study may lead some to question whether some men and women are simply predisposed to cheat.

While the findings of this study are interesting, there are likely other factors that contribute to a man or woman cheating on a significant other or spouse. Whatever the reasons may be, for many, cheating is a deal breaker and a major contributing factor to divorce.

Source: The Telegraph, “Cheating on your other half can be inherited,” Roger Dobson, Nov. 23, 2014