Can genetic influence infidelity in human relationships?

Infidelity in human relationships maybe as a result of genetic influence, research reveals.  Various studies have linked infidelity in human relationships to a particular type of gene, AVPR1A variation. Researchers discovered that the human version of AVPR1A examination in volves, appear to have adverse impacts on men’s relationships with their partners. Volves are mouse-like animals.

According to research conducted by Jenae Neiderhiser and colleagues indicates that men who are in a stable relationship for at least five years and have one or two copies of ‘allele 334’ seem to be less bonded to their wives as compared to men who possess other types of genes. Janae Neiderhiser is a professor of psychology at Penn State. Besides, their findings show that women who were in a relationship with these men reported less cohesion, consensus, and affection in their relationships. Surprisingly, these women reported high levels of marital satisfaction as compared to women in relationships with men who lack copies of allele 334(Scientific Blogging par. 3 ).

The research performed by Erica Spott at National Institute of Aging was the first one to indicate that genetics influence marital relationships.  However, Erica's findings did not reveal the particular gene that was responsible for this. In a research conducted by Lichtenstein, Neiderhiser at Karolinska Institute in Sweden show that men that had allele 334 were indirectly related to the measure of the strength of individual's bonding to their partners. The study also indicates that men who possessed two copies of allele 334 were more susceptible to relationship issues such as the threat of divorce than men who did not have allele 334. Moreover, these men were more likely to be unmarried as opposed to men who had no allele 334. Though, men who have allele 334 often have long-term relationships.

According to Claire Carter of Mail Online website, women who have infidelity gene are more likely to cheat in their relationships. Claire further argues that females that carry a particular variant of a gene which is responsible for sexual motivation and social behavior have high chances to participate in extra-pair mating as revealed by the University of Queensland in Australia. Regarding Claire’s article, the variant combinations of the AVPR1A have been linked to associate with infidelity and ruthless in animals. Studies indicate that each person contains two AVPR1A genes (Carter par. 5). Hence, each parent transfers one gene to the child to give a chance of different potential combinations. According to the results of Brendan Zietsch, 6.4% of women of 7,000 populations that had unfaithful relationships had a particular variant of infidelity gene (Carter par. 7).

Even though there is a gene that can influence infidelity as outlined by the scientists' findings; there is still confusion. For instance, Claire's article states that the infidelity gene seems to affect females but not males. But according to research conducted by Neiderhiser and other researchers show that the gene affects men. Another research which brings confusion is Justin Gracia and team research published on WebMed website. They conducted research which concentrated on DRD4 gene. DRD4 gene is associated with other behaviors and connected with feeling good and reward. They discovered that people with a type of DRD4 gene known as 7R+ were prone to infidelity. Their findings indicate that 50% of individuals who had 7R+ gene were unfaithful than 22% of people who did not possess this 7R+ gene. They reported that gender did not play a significant role in their research, as 26% and 23% of men and women respectively had 7R+ gene (Woznicki, and Martin par. 5).

More research is needed to justify the findings of different scientists. There is a possibility that genetic influence infidelity but is not clear which gene is responsible and if it affects all people (male and females). More research will shed more light on this confusion. If gene influences infidelity, can someone control his or her behavior? Yes, it is possible and epigenetic plays a bigger role in this. 

Works cited

Carter, C. Women are more likely to cheat on their partner if they carry ‘infidelity gene,' scientists discover. (2015). Retrieved 23 January 2017  from http://bit.ly/2iF1Okg

Scientific Blogging. Is Allele 334 An ‘Infidelity’ Gene for Men? (2008). Retrieved 23 January 2017  from http://www.science20.com/news_releases/is_allele_334_an_infidelity_gene_for_men

Woznicki, K., & Martin, J., L. Is fidelity genetic? (2017). Retrieved 23 January  2017 from http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/news/20101201/is-infidelity-genetic