Infidelity Could be a Genetic Trait

Researchers from State University of New York in Binghamton have discovered that DRD4, a dopamine receptor gene, is associated with infidelity and one-night stands. Out of 181 young adults, 50% of those with a variation of DRD4 had been unfaithful to their partner while 22% of those without the variation of DRD4 had been unfaithful.

Researcher Justin Garcia stated, “The motivation seems to stem from a system of pleasure and reward, which is where the release of dopamine comes in. In cases of uncommitted sex, the risks are high, the rewards substantial, and the motivation variable – all elements that ensure a dopamine rush.”

It is not possible at this point to confirm a cause-and-effect link between genetic traits and sexual behavior because further and larger studies need to be conducted. However, the same genetic variation has been associated with alcoholism, gambling addiction, and a love of horror films.

See Christian Nordqvist, Promiscuity and Infidelity Could be a Genetic Trait in Some Humans, Medical News Today, Dec. 3, 2010.

Special thanks to Greg Martin (2011 J.D. Candidate, Texas Tech University School of Law) for bringing this to my attention.