Does Cheating Run in the Family? Examining Infidelity Across Generations

Does Cheating Run in the Family? Examining Infidelity Across Generations

Infidelity has likely existed as long as human relationships have. But the question remains - is the tendency to cheat influenced by our genes? Can infidelity really run in families?

Scandals throughout history have shown that when it comes to affairs, some powerful families demonstrate a pattern that spans generations. The Kennedy political dynasty is one such example. Let's take a closer look at how wealth, genetics, and environmental factors may contribute to this phenomenon.

Examining Infidelity in the Kennedy Family

The Kennedy family tree contains several high-profile stories of adultery that suggest a possible familial trend. While wealth and status undoubtedly played a role, could genetics also be a factor?

The Kennedys and Marilyn Monroe

Two of the most infamous Kennedy dalliances involved actress Marilyn Monroe. President John F. Kennedy and Monroe were rumored to have had an affair starting in the 1950s. The tryst continued after Kennedy's marriage to Jackie Kennedy in 1953. Public sightings of Monroe with JFK and his brother Robert F. Kennedy fueled speculation of overlap between the affairs.

While the details remain ambiguous, Monroe's death in 1962 was ruled a probable suicide, with reported depression tied to failed romances with both Kennedy brothers. The affairs exemplified how the family's power enabled infidelity.

Ted Kennedy and the Chappaquiddick Incident

In 1969, Senator Ted Kennedy drove his car off a bridge on Chappaquiddick Island with his 28-year old companion Mary Jo Kopechne inside. Kennedy left the scene and did not report the accident for 10 hours, while Kopechne drowned.

Kennedy later pled guilty to leaving the scene of an accident. The mysterious circumstances suggested he was having an affair with Kopechne and wanted to avoid damaging his married reputation. The Chappaquiddick scandal demonstrated how the Kennedy influence could cover up moral transgressions.

Kerry Kennedy and Andrew Cuomo

Potential adultery even reached the next Kennedy generation. In 2003, reports alleged that Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert F. Kennedy, was having an extramarital relationship with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo was married to Kerry's friend Kerry Kennedy at the time.

While both parties denied an affair, the New York Post released a photo showing Cuomo engaging in PDA with Kennedy. The photo fueled existing rumors of infidelity. Though no concrete evidence surfaced, the Kennedys were no stranger to adulterous relationships.

How Power and Privilege Enable Infidelity

The Kennedy family's elite status granted them the influence to conceal scandals that would ruin other political figures. But does a privileged lifestyle also enable a sense of entitlement that breeds infidelity?

The Allure of Wealth and Prestige

For those born into wealth and fame, the thrill of luxury can become mundane. The privileges afforded by their status - elite education, swanky social circles, designer fashion - are a given. With this, the temptation for excitement outside of marriage emerges.

Clinical psychologist Dr. George James notes that the wealthy may feel licensed to act outside of societal norms: "Feelings of superiority and entitlement are often signs that an individual feels free to live outside the rules." For political legacy families like the Kennedys, this untouchable mentality can extend to their sex lives.

Access to Opportunity

Wealth also grants proximity to prospective affair partners. Private yachts and five-star hotel bars provide venues. Campaign fundraising events and exclusive galas offer no shortage of glamorous acquaintances.

Therapist Dr. Rebecca Hendrix finds that the wealthy have more exposure to potential mates: “Money allows people to afford the cost of extramarital affairs - time away, runs into town with gifts, cost of hotels, and emotional cost of investing in another person.” For the Kennedy men, privilege enabled these encounters.

Hiding Infidelities

The combination of influence, ego, and opportunity constituted the perfect storm for concealed affairs. With an army of fixers to suppress scandals, the Kennedys avoided public fallout. Their dynasty endured despite countless instances of adultery.

This ability to evade consequences enables repetition of the behavior. The wealthy can essentially purchase privacy, whereas ordinary families must exhibit more discretion.

Examining the Genetic Factors Behind Infidelity

If infidelity does indeed run in families, what genetic factors might be at play? Let's examine some compelling research.

The Czech Study on Fathers and Sons

In 2008, researchers in the Czech Republic published a groundbreaking study on what triggers infidelity. The study analyzed the philandering tendencies of 552 males to determine whether unfaithful fathers produced unfaithful sons.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Ivan Rektor conducted paternity tests on participants and compared sons born within marriage to those born outside it. The statistics showed stark differences:

• 56% of sons whose fathers cheated on their partner also committed infidelity.
• Only 29% of sons whose fathers stayed faithful cheated on their partners.

The findings suggest men may inherit a propensity for infidelity through their paternal DNA. However, some experts argue the study was limited by its gender imbalance and sample size.

The Swedish Allele 334 Study

Another study identified a specific gene variation that may influence loyalty. In 2008, Swedish researchers conducted DNA tests on 181 young married couples. The team tracked which couples divorced over the 5-year study.

They found participants with a variation of gene 5-HTTLPR, nicknamed “allele 334,” were two times more likely to be unfaithful. This gene affects serotonin processing, which mediates impulse control. The results indicate that for some, risky romantic behaviors are built into their biology.

The Dopamine D4 Receptor Gene

Additional research highlights the role dopamine plays in infidelity. In 2010, a study found evidence that the D4 dopamine receptor gene (DRD4) influences sexual behavior.

Participants with a 2R variation of DRD4, which causes elevated dopamine levels, were more likely to report infidelity. Researchers conclude these individuals pursue erotic pleasures and novel mates rather than devoting resources to parenting. This study revealed a biological foundation for sexual promiscuity.

It's Not All In Our Genes: The Role of Environment

Despite compelling genetic evidence, experts largely agree that environmental factors also substantially influence infidelity. Having an "unfaithful gene" does not guarantee someone will cheat.

Personal Choices Matter

Our genes affect our temperament but don't directly determine our actions. While someone's biology may amplify sexual urges, individuals still make a conscious choice whether or not to act unfaithfully.

Therapist Sheva Rajaee notes: "Although genes could make someone more vulnerable to infidelity, they are not...solely responsible. The decision to be committed and faithful to one partner is just that - a decision." Human willpower enables us to curb innate genetic drives.

Environmental Influences

Family environment also molds our attitudes toward monogamy from an early age. Studies show that witnessing a parent's cheating can promote similar conduct. The Czech study confirms that when sons observed unfaithful fathers, they were more likely to repeat the behavior.

Likewise, nurturing stable parental bonds promotes fidelity. Clinical psychologist Seth Meyers states: “Experiencing love, commitment, and loyalty between parents...makes it more likely that children will internalize fidelity and transparency as relationship values." Nurture shapes nature.

It's a Combination of Factors

Genes may predispose someone to infidelity, but they do not predetermine it. Family history is insightful, but rational choice and moral courage enable us to divert from hereditary paths. While destiny proposes, free will disposes.

The Verdict: Infidelity Likely Stems From Both Nature and Nurture

Research provides convincing evidence that genetic factors can increase infidelity risk in predisposed individuals. But our family environment and individual choices hold more sway than our DNA alone.

Ultimately, cases like the Kennedys exemplify how wealth and status can foster an environment ripe for affairs. However, inheritance is not destiny. Our partners may stray, but we each shape our own intimate narratives. With open communication and intentionality, we can rewrite even the most salacious family histories.

Frequently Asked Questions About Infidelity and Genetics

Can infidelity really be inherited genetically?

While several studies have identified genetic variants associated with increased rates of infidelity, experts agree that no single “cheating gene” exists. Genetics can create predispositions, but environmental factors and individual choices play a larger role. Family patterns offer some correlation, but inheritance does not guarantee infidelity.

How do genes like allele 334 increase infidelity risk?

Variations in genes affecting dopamine and serotonin levels are linked to differences in impulse control and pleasure-seeking behavior. For example, allele 334 impacts serotonin activity, which regulates mood and decision-making. This may diminish inhibitions against pursuing affairs. However, individuals still make a deliberate choice to act unfaithfully.

Can someone resist genetic urges toward infidelity?

Yes, genetics alone do not dictate behavior. Though someone may have biology urging infidelity, human willpower enables us to override innate drives. Making the conscious decision to commit to a partner is not controlled by our DNA. Nurturing secure family bonds also promotes loyalty despite genetic factors.

Do powerful families have more adultery due to privilege?

Wealth and status afford greater opportunity to conceal affairs, limiting consequences. However, infidelity occurs across all demographics. While the elite may feel entitled to indulge urges, factors like parental infidelity, impulse control, and moral values impact fidelity more than privilege alone. Financial success does not absolve personal responsibility.

Is there hope for families with an unfaithful history?

Absolutely. While parents' infidelity statistically increases risk in their children, each generation makes independent choices. Strong communication, family counseling, and commitment to earnest principles can reshape family patterns. Though the past proposes tendencies, we are not bound to repeat it. Healthy relationship skills can cultivate fidelity.