Is He a Cheater?

Are some men born to cheat? Well, not exactly, but one scientists says there are some clear warning signs.

Paul J. Zak, director of the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies at Claremont Graduate University, says biology may hold the key to understanding whether your man may stray. He offers five easy tests you can perform to see whether he's a potential philanderer or great marriage material.

According to Zak, men — more than women — have a biological tension between mating and random copulation. Oxytocin is the brain chemical that lets us feel bonded to others, but genes or a lack of early nurturing can cause the effects of this chemical to be weaker. Meanwhile, high testosterone can cause a man to seek thrills, as well as sex outside his marriage.

In his Psychology Today blog, Zak writes,

… my lab has shown that high levels of testosterone change the brain's cost-benefit calculation toward the current and self, rather than taking a long-term view that includes others' needs. Testosterone has a potent effect on libido, too. High testosterone males cheat more, divorce more, spend less time with their children, but are also highly focused and driven. Testosterone is sensitive to a man's social position—testosterone rises in men that attain high status.

His tests reveal not only biological traits that could influence a man's ability to stay true, but also values he picks up from his parents and society.

We'd add another question to Zak's list: Is he at risk for Tiger Woods Syndrome? If he's rich, famous and/or powerful, women may throw themselves at him, hoping to snag him for themselves or to just rub off some stardust. Add another point if he travels a lot.

If your man flunks these tests, this doesn't absolutely mean he's not marriage material — or, if you're already mated, that he's bound to step out of bounds. Instead of hiring a private detective, have a frank talk about values and expectations. If he values commitment, that can trump biology.