Making a direct reference to an earlier post The Science Behind Our Decisions, we would now like to delve deeper into the elusive realm of infidelity. It is said that one in four people on the face of the earth are born with the gene mutation of DRD4, which is also known as the cheat gene. It seems that once again, our decisions are very likely influenced by the chemical release we receive from the neurotransmitter dopamine.Research between the connection of this gene and behavior has found that usually people who bare it, present a novelty-seeking behavior. It is said, two important factors need to be present in order for people to develop a more liberal attitude, one is the genetic predisposition, and the other is the environmental condition of having many friends in adolescence. This has shown to be true independent of ethnicity, culture, sex, or age.
Nevertheless, like this and many other things in life, how you ultimately react to life is not an absolute. Like we have stated before monogamous relationships can stimulate their dopamine rush by inducing novelty into their relationships. Couples can go on a romantic vacation, surprise each other, and wear new clothes as a way to excite and please each other. In general terms, you must learn to let yourself be the one in control of your emotions and not your emotions be in control of you. Learn to do this and you may be prone to leading a fulfilling and healthy life.
For your amusement here are other behaviors which have been linked to the DRD4 gene:
- Gambling
- Alcoholism
- Drug Use
- Overeating
- Political Liberalism
- Passion for Horror Films
- Impulsiveness
