Baggage Check: The Jerk Gene?

Dr. Andrea Bonior dives into the world of psychology.

LATELY, THE URGE to pontificate about the secret lives of politicians (or their children!) has become almost unbearable. But my friends and family have heard enough: more scientifically stimulating is new research that seems to suggest that a man's propensity to be a downright cringe-worthy husband is predicted in part by his genetic makeup.

The Swedish study, which is sure to become fodder for late-night talk shows, focuses on a gene variant that is present in 40 percent of men. Unfortunately for the women who marry these men ("But his mom seemed so nice!"), it appears that the variant's presence is associated with a higher rate of infidelity, marital discord, divorce and being considered emotionally unavailable.

Lately, it seems we're isolating genes for everything: propensity toward crime, risk of Alzheimers, and susceptibility to "Your vehicle's warranty has expired" telephone harassment (alright, maybe not yet on the last one.) The research is fascinating, and it's not hard to imagine that 20 years from now we'll be amazed at how little we knew back in 2008.

But let's remember how far we really have to go in unlocking that mysterious, multi-directional intersection between genetics and environment, and that (once again!) correlation does not equal causation. Though presumably this gene variant is present from birth, maybe it is its connection to something else entirely -- various cognitive or physical traits come to mind -- that are the real (and perhaps preventable) causes of those men living less than happily ever after with their mates.

Still, though, it's interesting, isn't it? Perhaps someday genetic tests will be made part of the political vetting process... oh, never mind.

Talk back to Dr. Andrea by leaving a comment below. To ask a question for Baggage Check in the Express print edition, e-mail baggage@readexpress.com or submit an anonymous question here.