Is human fidelity controlled by genes and evolutionary traits or is it the adaptive result of environment and upbringing? What are their respective and/or combined influences?..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

                                                                                                                Infidelity Gene

  A recent study done by researchers at Karolina Institute, Sweden, suggests a possible genetic link in human infidelity. Studies concerning allele 334, a genetic variation found in 4 out 10 Swedish men, showed a correlation between the gene and pair-bonding behavior. At times termed the "monogamy gene", it is for the molecular receptor of vasopressin; a hormone linked to mate stability. According to a statement released by the researchers, the incidence of allele 334 was statistically linked to how strong a bond a man felt he had with his partner. Males found to have a copy of the gene felt less bonded to their partners and were more likely to have faced relationship or marriage problems, in comparison to males without the gene.  Researches also said women married to men with a copy of the allele were, on average, less satisfied with their relationship than women married to men who didn't carry this allele. Experts, however, stress that besides genetic factors, many social factors are involved in the development of bonding behavior.

                                                                 ~~~

This research project will attempt to find a correlation between  :

  - genetic makeup and bonding behavior

  - social, psychological, and environmental factors and bonding behavior.

 Rationale : 

                     - explore both sides of the Nature vs. Nurture debate.

                     - study the factors involved in human fidelity.

                     - determine the possible implications of the results of this study.           

Literature Review:

Carrere, S., Buehlman, K.T., Gottman, J.M., Coan, J.A., & Ruckstuhl, L. (2000). Predicting marital stability and divorce in newly wed couples. Journal of Family Psychology, 14, 42-58.

McEluwe, C. (2003, December 30). Nature-Nurture debate; Slate asserts personality decided by inherited traits. The Charleston Gazette. Pp. 5A.

Glenn, N.D. (1990). Quantitative research on marital quality in the 1980s: A critical review. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 52, 818–831.

Tucker, P., & Aron, A. (1993). Passionate love and marital satisfaction at key transition points in the family life cycle. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 12, 135–147.

Hofstadter, Richard, Social Darwinism in American Thought (1955)

Carter, C.S. (1998). Neuroendocrine perspectives on social attachment and love. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 23, 779-818.

Alcock, John (2001). The Triumph of Sociobiology. Oxford: Oxford University Press

Pinsof, W.M. (2002). The death of 'till death do us part': The transformation of pair-bonding in the 20th century. Family Process, 41, 135-157.

Keverne, E.B. & Curley, J.P. (2004). Vasopressin, oxytocin and social behaviour. Current Opinion in Neurobiology , 14, 777–783.

Zaka, P.J., Kurzband, R., & Matzner, W.T. (2005). Oxytocin is associated with human trustworthiness. Hormones and Behavior, 48, 522–527.

Pinker, S. (2003, January 20). Are your genes to blame? Time, 161, 198

Research Methods:

Survey -

Survey questions designed to observe and determine opinions, reactions, and views concerning this study.

Case Study -

Research on high profile figures :

-              Eliot Spitzer

-              John Edwards

-              Bill Clinton

-              Chua Soi Lek