Do You Have the Divorce Gene?

Researchers in Stockholm, Sweden speculate that one version of a gene known as the “334 version or allele” may be linked to divorce.  People who had this genetic variant were twice as like to experience marital crises.  This genetic defect made it harder for males to experience bonding with their partners, and women who were married to men carrying one or more of these genes were less satisfied with their marriages.

But is genetics the sole and only factor in determining which marriage fail and which last 50 years or more?  No.  While it may be a consideration, family background is an all important determinative cause.

The number of divorces in the U.S. has increased since the 1960’s because of social acceptance and laws making it easier to become divorced.  Consequently, the number of children from broken homes has risen exponentially as well.   Today spouses who grew up in divorced households are 50 percent more likely to marry another spouse with the same background.  Unlike previous generations, many of today’s couples whose parents divorced enter premarital counseling and/or marry later in life.  In a recent article on CNN.com, children of divorced couples often realize the mistakes their parents made and vow never to repeat them in their own marriages. 

While there are no guarantees, marriage takes work and in the case of modern science, it may be as simple as taking a medication once day to counteract the divorce gene.