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Is it really 'once a cheater always a cheater'? Genetics say probably

Researchers have identified certain genetics-driven traits chronic cheaters have in common, suggesting repeated cheating could be written into someone's DNA .

Source: Cubes | 

04.12.2024, 16:26

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It turns out, the age-old adage 'once a cheater always a cheater' may actually be true.

The statement implies if someone cheats on a partner in a relationship once, they are bound to do it again and again, with serial cheaters constantly seeking out new sexual partners in a chronic pattern of infidelity.

Now, researchers believe there is scientific data to back up that belief. 

About 40 percent of unmarried couples and 25 percent of married couples report infidelity in their relationships, and 2018 study found people who have cheated in the past were three times more likely to do so again. 

While not a label formally recognized in psychology, researchers have identified certain genetics-driven traits chronic cheaters have in common, suggesting repeated cheating could be written into someone's DNA. 

Scientists believe people with the ‘thrill-seeking’ gene – called DRD4 VNTR – have a specific variant that is associated with reduced sensitivity to dopamine, which may mean they need more stimuli to feel satisfied.

The gene variation could be the one responsible for alcohol and gambling addictions, promiscuity and the inclination to cheat.  

In one study, habitual cheaters were asked if they could spot three differences in two similar photos, even though there were only one or two. But the cheaters still claimed to find three. 

Brain scans performed during the exercise showed when cheaters were dishonest, regions of their brains linked to reward-seeking behavior lit up. 

The study found when participants thought about whether to be honest or dishonest, certain brain areas related to self-reflection became more active, especially in cheaters facing moral dilemmas and weighing the consequences of their actions.

An Instagram model claimed she and Adam Levine had an affair while he was married to Behati Prinsloo before other women came forward and accused the musician of sending flirty messages

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