He just needs to sow his wild oats. Or she is somewhat easy on the eyes and with the boys. These types of expressions have existed for generations, all pointing to a certain type of behavior: promiscuity. And while promiscuity dates back thousands of years, it was not until December 2010 that researchers at Binghamton University, State University of New York announced results of their unique study. Promiscuity can be linked to a person’s genetic makeup. People with a certain gene are more likely to have that wild sexual streak and more tempted to throw caution to the wind and enjoy non-committal sex.
As the study states, “These findings show that genetic variation in the brain′s dopaminergic reward pathway appears to be an influential factor in individual differences in motivation to engage in sexual behavior of a risky and uncommitted nature.” In effect, more promiscuity can be linked to a variation in hose the dopamine receptor D4 polymorphism, which is also known as the DRD4 gene.
This study could potentially be huge in its findings, as it suggests that people behave more compulsively or casually toward sex due to the way they are wired. Just as certain people react differently to the consumption of alcohol than others, so it seems that certain people, due to genetic composition, are drawn more to casual or thrill-seeking sex. Perhaps they represent a certain group of people in the general population. The results of this study could be used to explain why two lifelong friends, raised in similar environments, could grow up to have very different views toward casual sex.
As reported by ABC News, the study was conducting by giving close to 200 students anonymous surveys about that collected information about their sexual choices and experiences. DNA samples were also collected, and then prototyped. While all people contain this same gene, the results indicated that the gene tended to be longer in people who were more promiscuous. Just as some people may get a thrill out of one night out on the town, others may require multiple exciting nights out to get the same amount of pleasure. The scientists believe that the pleasure center in people with this gene variation requires a higher degree of risk in the sex area of their lives, too.
It remains to be seen how the psychological community will react to these findings, or if people will try to use the results of this study as an excuse. Regardless, the fact remains: People who choose to engage in promiscuous behavior can expect certain consequences from their actions, genetically inclined or not.
