An evolutionary perspective on health psychology: new approaches and applications

Evol Psychol. 2012 Dec 20;10(5):855-67. doi: 10.1177/147470491201000508.

Abstract

Although health psychologists' efforts to understand and promote health are most effective when guided by theory, health psychology has not taken full advantage of theoretical insights provided by evolutionary psychology. Here, we argue that evolutionary perspectives can fruitfully inform strategies for addressing some of the challenges facing health psychologists. Evolutionary psychology's emphasis on modular, functionally specialized psychological systems can inform approaches to understanding the myriad behaviors grouped under the umbrella of "health," as can theoretical perspectives used by evolutionary anthropologists, biologists, and psychologists (e.g., Life History Theory). We detail some early investigations into evolutionary health psychology, and we provide suggestions for directions for future research.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavioral Medicine / trends*
  • Biological Evolution*
  • Eating / psychology
  • Female
  • Food Preferences / psychology
  • Global Health
  • Health Behavior*
  • Health Promotion*
  • Humans
  • Life Change Events
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Psychological Theory*
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology