Experts reveal truth behind phrase 'once a cheater always a cheater' and the personality traits to look out for

There may be some truth behind the old adage ‘once a cheater, always a cheater’.

Being unfaithful to your spouse, partner, or exclusive sexual partner, can have a devastating impact on both parties - but for some people, it's in their genes.

Well, now, research has shown there may be a link between genes and promiscuous behavior due to a gene variation called DRD4 VNTR, which has also been correlated with different behaviours, such as substance dependence as well as the need to seek new experiences and risk-taking.

Cheating might have a genetic link (Getty Stock Images)

However, having this gene does not automatically mean someone will be a cheater, experts say. The DRD4 VNTR gene is inherited from your parents and it influences how the brain processes dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ hormone that gives you feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation.

It is believed that people with this gene variant are less sensitive to dopamine, meaning they don’t get the same pleasure hit from a typical dopamine-producing activity. This leads them to seek riskier experiences.

Researchers studied people’s sexual preferences and behaviors and the effect of DRD4 VNTR. They gathered a detailed history of sexual behavior and relationships of 181 young adults.

DNA samples were also collected from the cheeks of the volunteers and analysed the samples for the presence of DRD4 VNTR.

The findings, published in 2010, suggested people with the DRD4 VNTR gene variation were more likely to engage in both infidelity and uncommitted one-night stands.

"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," study researcher Justin Garcia, from Binghamton University, State University of New York, said in a statement via Live Science.

"The motivation seems to stem from a system of pleasure and reward, which is where the release of dopamine comes in," Garcia said.

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

"The study doesn't let transgressors off the hook. These relationships are associative, which means that not everyone with this genotype will have one-night stands or commit infidelity. Indeed, many people without this genotype still have one-night stands and commit infidelity. The study merely suggests that a much higher proportion of those with this genetic type are likely to engage in these behaviors."

Psychologists have also weighed on the gene variation and its connection to cheating. Hannah Reeves, a licensed marriage and family therapist, told Daily Mail: “This is a common nature vs nurture question and surprisingly there is some evidence to suggest that it's the former.

Marriage therapists have weighed in on the findings (Getty Stock Images)

“Personality traits like impulsivity and an affinity for risk-taking do have genetic components. Some argue that people with these traits are more likely to cheat.”

Before you demand a DNA test for your cheating partner, the experts say the root of serial cheating usually lies in narcissistic personality disorder.

Renee Zavislak, a licensed marriage and family therapist, told the same publication that serial cheaters are usually people with narcissistic traits. This may include a lack of empathy, a sense of entitlement, and manipulative behaviors.

“These personalities are the result of a biological predisposition combined with profound emotional rejection, abuse, or neglect by primary caregivers in childhood,” she said.

And not everyone who cheats is guaranteed to cheat again, says Dr Kayla Knopp. She maintained that no one is born a cheater, and instead the behavior stems from societal expectations for relationships, such as monogamy.

Experts have also examined the reasons why women cheat and the subtle signs a cheating partner may exhibit.