The Science Of Promiscuity

• Babe, it was an accident. It didn’t mean anything.
• So you tripped and your penis accidentally fell into her vagina?

People do what they do for many different reasons, and science is intent on uncovering every one of them. New research points to a “promiscuity gene” which is most common in people who have one night stands or cheat.

“What we found was that individuals with a certain variant of the DRD4 gene were more likely to have a history of uncommitted sex, including one-night stands and acts of infidelity,” said Justin Garcia, a postdoctoral fellow at Binghamton University, State University of New York.

“In cases of uncommitted sex, the risks are high, the rewards substantial and the motivation variable — all elements that ensure a dopamine ‘rush.’”

This gene variant has been linked to risk-takers, although whether that results in one night stands, gambling addiction or a liberal mindset depend on the individual. People with the “promiscuity gene” are twice as likely to have one night stands and half have admitted to cheating in the past.

However, there are advantages to resisting the impulse. Couples are less likely to be affected by stress than their single counterparts.

Research from the Department of Comparative Human Development at the University of Chicago found that people in committed relationships showed lower levels of stress when dealing with life’s difficulties.

Over 500 men and women were asked to complete difficult tasks, such as making financial situations or playing a competitive game. Single people showed higher levels of cortisol, the hormone related to stress.

Scientists have yet to determine whether the relationship stress-buffer could also be induced by owning an inexplicable number of cats ~ but it can’t hurt to try.

Contact the author here: mick@morningquickie.com