New Collegiate Study Reveals Infidelity Is Predestined by Family Genes

 Posted on September 17, 2015 in Family Law

A recent study, conducted in collegiate collaboration between Texas Tech and the University of Nevada, uncovered perhaps the tendency to cheat may be explained simply as a genetic predisposition found floating in your family gene pool.

The study, which surveyed an estimated 300 students, revealed that connections made between examples of parental indiscretions may have influenced up to 30 percent of students who admitted to cheating on a partner at least once throughout their adult lives. Thirty-three percent of the students further confided that the unfaithful parent was almost always the “king of the castle,” since the study also supported that men are more likely to cheat than women. The study also revealed that 44 percent of admitted cheaters hailed from a family who has dealt with infidelity, however, 22 percent saying that they have not engaged in cheating.

The study lead, Dr. Dana Weiser, shared her opinions regarding why children of cheaters can opt to break this repetitive cycle. Following are Dr. Weiser’s observations:

Avoiding the Chip Off the Old Block Reference

Although the study is a bit unnerving and indicates a higher level of infidelity for children desensitized to the act or art of cheating, future partners take note, this pattern is not automatically repetitive. Practice makes perfect. For those with a higher risk of cheating behaviors, one has to remain strongly focused on the total relationship and implement impulse control.

Addressing the Family Spin

How a child reacts to instances of cheating within the family is highly associated as to how the family opted to spin the marital discrepancy. If a parent tried to justify the behavior or opted to downplay the act, this may severely impact how an adult child views cheating by accepting cheating as the norm of any romantic relationship.

Forecasting Doom, Gloom and Damnation

Dr. Weiser believes that if infidelity was a permanent fixture of the family dynamic, there is no physical need for the offspring to carry on the family tradition. She advises that children exposed to parental infidelity should approach relationships with eyes wide open and develop positive relationship goals and healthy influences to break the cycle and to avoid consulting with an experienced divorce attorney.

Cinderella's Slipper Syndrome

Any new relationship takes commitment and trust but what if a prospective partner is the one who was exposed to parental infidelity? Dr. Weiser stresses that communication is key. She also suggests to set boundaries and keep feelings on the forefront with regard to the act of cheating. By informing your partner that cheating is not tolerable at the onset may set the tone of the relationship but she also warns that once the subject has been broached, trust is the next step in building a viable relationship.

Although Illinois has recently moved toward amending the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/) by eliminating the burden of proving grounds for divorce. As this amendment goes into effect in January of 2016, ifidelity will no longer be considered as grounds for divorce. At the Law Offices of Martoccio & Martoccio we understand how devastating these circumstances can be. Our skilled Hindsdale divorce attorneys understand all the complexities of divorce. Call our team today at 630-920-8855 for more information.

Sources:

http://coed.com/2015/08/27/cheating-hereditary-new-study-details-facts

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/07/24/quickest-way-to-tell-if-your-partner-will-cheat

http://www.self.com/wellness/relationships/2015/07/will-he-cheat

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=57&GAID=13&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=83488&SessionID=88&GA=99