Clinical psychology and evolutionary psychology: Toward a dialogue.

The growth of evolutionary psychology as a theoretical framework for the study of human behavior has been spectacular. However, evolutionary psychology has been largely ignored by clinical psychology. This article is an attempt to encourage greater dialogue between the two. First, some of the major principles of evolutionary psychology are outlined, followed by consideration of some of the criticisms that have been made of this approach. Second, an attempt is made to trace the influence of evolutionary theory on the history and development of clinical psychology. Third, the authors describe how an evolutionary perspective has enhanced the understanding and study of autism and depression. Finally, some implications of an evolutionary perspective for etiological theory, assessment, treatment, and ethics are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Evolutionary psychology: Controversies, questions, prospects, and limitations.

Evolutionary psychology has emerged over the past 15 years as a major theoretical perspective, generating an increasing volume of empirical studies and assuming a larger presence within psychological science. At the same time, it has generated critiques and remains controversial among some psychologists. Some of the controversy stems from hypotheses that go against traditional psychological theories; some from empirical findings that may have disturbing implications; some from misunderstandings about the logic of evolutionary psychology; and some from reasonable scientific concerns about its underlying framework. This article identifies some of the most common concerns and attempts to elucidate evolutionary psychology’s stance pertaining to them. These include issues of testability and falsifiability; the domain specificity versus domain generality of psychological mechanisms; the role of novel environments as they interact with evolved psychological circuits; the role of genes in the conceptual structure of evolutionary psychology; the roles of learning, socialization, and culture in evolutionary psychology; and the practical value of applied evolutionary psychology. The article concludes with a discussion of the limitations of current evolutionary psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Evolutionary psychology and intelligence research.

This article seeks to unify two subfields of psychology that have hitherto stood separately: evolutionary psychology and intelligence research/differential psychology. I suggest that general intelligence may simultaneously be an evolved adaptation and an individual-difference variable. Tooby and Cosmides's (1990a) notion of random quantitative variation on a monomorphic design allows us to incorporate heritable individual differences in evolved adaptations. The Savanna–IQ Interaction Hypothesis, which is one consequence of the integration of evolutionary psychology and intelligence research, can potentially explain why less intelligent individuals enjoy TV more, why liberals are more intelligent than conservatives, and why night owls are more intelligent than morning larks, among many other findings. The general approach proposed here will allow us to integrate evolutionary psychology with any other aspect of differential psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Leadership, followership, and evolution: Some lessons from the past.

This article analyzes the topic of leadership from an evolutionary perspective and proposes three conclusions that are not part of mainstream theory. First, leading and following are strategies that evolved for solving social coordination problems in ancestral environments, including in particular the problems of group movement, intragroup peacekeeping, and intergroup competition. Second, the relationship between leaders and followers is inherently ambivalent because of the potential for exploitation of followers by leaders. Third, modern organizational structures are sometimes inconsistent with aspects of our evolved leadership psychology, which might explain the alienation and frustration of many citizens and employees. The authors draw several implications of this evolutionary analysis for leadership theory, research, and practice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Evolving perspectives on organizations.

Comments on the evolutionary perspective applied by S. M. Colarelli (see record 1998-10886-003) to psychological interventions in organizations. The author offers additional insight into organizational changes that is based on another development in evolutionary theory. This change has been in the way the genetics of organisms is expressed. Organisms are not seen as composed of 2 major subsystems, the first of which is concerned with the reproduction process, and the second of which is concerned with the flow of energy through systems. Svyantek argues that this model may be applied to organizations by (1) changing the definition of the fundamental nature of organizations, (2) the locus of change in these systems, and (3) the manner in which new organizational forms are developed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Behavioral genetics and evolutionary psychology: unified perspective on personality research

Behavioral geneticists and evolutionary psychologists have generally pursued human behavioral analyses with little theoretical or methodological exchange. However, significant benefits might accrue from increased communication between these disciplines. The primary goals of this article are (1) to identify meaningful junctures between behavioral genetics and evolutionary psychology, (2) to describe behavioral genetic research designs and their applications to evolutionary analyses, and (3) to reassess current personality research in light of behavioral genetic and evolutionary concepts and techniques. The five-factor model of personality is conceptualized as subsuming variation in normative species-typical systems with adaptive functions in the human environment of evolutionary adaptation. Considered as universal evolved mechanisms, personality systems are often seen in dynamic conflict within individuals and as highly compartmentalized in their functioning between settings. However, genetically influenced individual differences in personality may also be understood within an evolutionary framework. Studies of the heritability of personality traits indicate broad-sense heritabilities in the 0.40-0.50 range with evidence of substantial nonadditive genetic variation and nonshared environmental influences. Evidence indicates that evolutionary theory (e.g., inclusive fitness theory) predicts patterns of social interaction (e.g., cooperation and bereavement) in relatives. Furthermore, variation in personality may constitute a range of viable strategies matching the opportunities available in the complex niche environment of human societies. Within this wide range of viable strategies, personality variation functions as a resource environment for individuals in the sense that personality variation is evaluated according to the interests of the evaluator (e.g., friendships, coalitions, or mate choice).     

Correction to Leone (2008).

Reports an error in "Couple therapy from the perspective of self psychology and intersubjectivity theory" by Carla Leone (Psychoanalytic Psychology, 2008[Jan], Vol 25[1], 79-98). Throughout the article, "Couples therapy" should read as "couple therapy," and "self-psychology" should read as "self psychology." (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2008-00996-006.) Central tenets of self-psychology and intersubjective systems theory (e.g., Stolorow & Atwood, 1992) are applied to the understanding and treatment of couple. The concepts of selfobject needs, unconscious organizing principles, and learned relational patterns are used to conceptualize common couples difficulties. A treatment approach is outlined, involving: (1) listening from within each partner's subjective perspective; (2) establishing a therapeutic dialogue through which each partner's selfobject needs, ways of organizing experience, and patterns of relating can gradually be empathically illuminated and transformed; and (3) facilitating new relational experiences with the couples therapist and eventually between the partners. Four concepts of self psychology that are particularly useful with some of the most challenging aspects of couples work are then discussed. Finally, the judicious use of directive interventions with couples is discussed as consistent with this perspective. A case example is used throughout the paper to illustrate key points. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Traps and gaps in action explanation: Theoretical problems of a psychology of human action.

This article deals with the question of whether human action can be explained empirically by a psychological theory that refers to intentions, expectancies, and evaluations as determinants. In contrast with the majority of action theories in psychology and philosophy, a logical connection between action and intention is defended and, consequently, a causal relationship between action and intention is refuted. This is illustrated by reference to one of the most widely known and applied psychological action theories: the theory of planned behavior (I. Ajzen, 1991). However, the logical-connection argument can be circumvented if the existing research findings are reinterpreted as part of a psychology of intention. This article demonstrates the value of such an approach for future research. However, the final section of the article outlines some further fundamental theoretical difficulties for this perspective. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Post hoc explanation is not prediction. Commentary on J. Archer.

Comments on J. Archer's 1996 article in which he considers whether observed patterns of sex differences in human social behavior are best explained by social role theory or by the evolutionary principles of Darwinian theory. The author believes that Archer framed many of his evolutionary claims as explanations despite the fact that they were generated post hoc. The author argues that a critical weakness of post hoc explanation is that various aspects of a theory may be used selectively to maximize the appearance of predictive validity and an example is used to illustrate the point. It is concluded that while evolutionary psychology is a promising and intriguing field its theories are not adequately tested by post hoc couched in predictive language. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Leda Cosmides.

Leda Cosmides has received an award for inspiring leadership in defining a new approach to the mind: evolutionary psychology. In thoughtful essays with John Tooby, she has shown how to unite the cognitive, social, and natural sciences by invoking evolutionary theory in its most sophisticated modern form. This journal article includes a citation and biography of Leda Cosmides. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Couple therapy from the perspective of self psychology and intersubjectivity theory.

[Correction Notice: An erratum for this article was reported in Vol 25(2) of Psychoanalytic Psychology (see record 2008-03991-018). Throughout the article, "Couples therapy" should read as "couple therapy," and "self-psychology" should read as "self psychology."] Central tenets of self-psychology and intersubjective systems theory (e.g., Stolorow & Atwood, 1992) are applied to the understanding and treatment of couple. The concepts of selfobject needs, unconscious organizing principles, and learned relational patterns are used to conceptualize common couples difficulties. A treatment approach is outlined, involving: (1) listening from within each partner's subjective perspective; (2) establishing a therapeutic dialogue through which each partner's selfobject needs, ways of organizing experience, and patterns of relating can gradually be empathically illuminated and transformed; and (3) facilitating new relational experiences with the couples therapist and eventually between the partners. Four concepts of self psychology that are particularly useful with some of the most challenging aspects of couples work are then discussed. Finally, the judicious use of directive interventions with couples is discussed as consistent with this perspective. A case example is used throughout the paper to illustrate key points. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Charles Darwin and psychology at the bicentennial and sesquicentennial: An introduction.

This article provides an introduction to the special issue on Darwin and psychology at the bicentennial of his birth and the sesquicentennial of his publication of On the Origin of Species. His core contributions, as viewed today, were his theory of natural selection, his naturalistic philosophy, and his mass of evidence for evolutionary change. A brief summary of Darwin's life is also presented. Among Darwin's contributions to psychology were his demonstration of the continuity of species, a model for the study of instinct, a book on the expression of the emotions, and a baby biography. Previous celebrations of Darwin and the changing perceptions of his work since its publication are described. Darwin's theory remains an important part of psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Evolutionary Psychology From a Developmental Systems Perspective: Comment on Lickliter and Honeycutt (2003).

Although agreeing with R. Lickliter and H. Honeycutt (2003; see record 2003-09105-001) that evolutionary psychology lacks and should adopt a coherent developmental model to explain how evolved mechanisms become expressed in phenotypes, it is argued that adhering to the principles of developmental systems theory, despite enhancing evolutionary psychology, would not change appreciably its basic focus. The concepts of innateness and modularity, what is inherited and what evolves, as well as the possible role of developmental plasticity in the evolution of human cognition are discussed. It is proposed that evolutionary psychology can incorporate the developmental systems perspective into its theorizing, with the end result being a science that more closely reflects human nature. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Methodological advances and issues in rehabilitation psychology: Moving forward on the cutting edge.

Scientific research plays an important role in advancing the knowledge base of rehabilitation psychology. Research contributes to theory building and provides the foundation for empirically supported rehabilitation psychology practices, and model-based diversity-sensitive evidence-based interventions help persons with disabilities to become fully integrated into the society. Objective: In this article, the guest editors present their rationale for developing this special issue on methodological advances in rehabilitation psychology. Conclusions: They suggest that rehabilitation psychology research needs to be theory driven using rigorous research designs, strategies, and techniques and describe their selection of articles designed to highlight some exciting new developments in rehabilitation psychology research and to stimulate thinking and facilitate discussion about incorporating these new techniques in theory-driven research programs. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Evolutionary approaches to group dynamics: An introduction.

An evolutionary perspective offers many new insights in the study of group dynamics. First, groups are an inevitable aspect of human evolution, suggesting that humans have evolved a range of psychological mechanisms to deal with specific challenges of group living. Second, an evolutionary perspective combines and integrates knowledge from different social science disciplines such as psychology, biology, anthropology, and economics to find evidence for group-related psychological adaptations. Third, an evolutionary analysis produces many unique hypotheses about group psychology, showing the promise and generativity of this approach. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A competence paradigm for psychological practice.

A competence approach to clinical and preventive interventions is offered as an alternative to defect-based or cognitive-rationalist models. A competence paradigm is more securely rooted in modern evolutionary theory and receives strong empirical support from clinical psychology, preventive psychology, and developmental psychopathology. Psychology should become the science and practice of the identification and promotion of adaptationally significant competencies. By embedding individual problems in a sociopsychological matrix the construct can serve to rally psychologists around the goal of advocating for the personal empowerment of all individuals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychoanalytic theory in the context of contemporary psychology: The Helen Block Lewis memorial address.

This article represents a tribute to the late Helen Block Lewis's commitment to integrating psychology and psychoanalysis. The current status of the formal structure of psychoanalytic theory was reviewed in relation to recent developments in general psychology. Specific attention was paid to the psychodynamic or motivational perspective, the structural perspective, and the genetic or developmental perspective as proposed by Rapaport. Following an examination of current trends in psychoanalysis and of the shift from a drive-, hydraulic energy model toward a relational model, specific proposals were made about the role of emotions as motives, and the implications of the tension between attachment or affiliation versus autonomous or self-esteem needs. In the structural perspective it was proposed that, as in social psychology, emphasis has shifted from the id, ego, superego model to a more specific focus on self schemas and belief systems. The recent emphasis in cognitive and social psychology on out-of-awareness processes suggests a new interest in the so-called topographical model of conscious and unconscious processes. At the developmental level the dominance of the object relations model meshes well with recent child research... (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Noise, logic, and the span of time.

Comments on the article by D. M. Buss et al (see record 1998-01669-001) that studied adaptation and natural selection as central concepts in evolutionary psychology. The present author, however, states his disappointment that the research did not more fully address the issue. He mentions that Buss et al noted three major conceptual means through which evolutionary theory accounts for current psychology: adaptation, exaptation, and random noise (surviving mechanisms that neither aided nor inhibited gene survival). The possibility of random noise explanations inhibiting the potential acceptance of explanations based on adaptations or exaptations is questioned. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Some theoretical issues confronting developmental psychologists.

A nagging persistent problem for developmental psychologists has always been the nativism-empiricism controversy. It is still with us today in almost every facet of developmental psychology. This issue is leading to an increasing "ecological" perspective in developmental psychology the end result of which is not clear yet. While Piagetian theory remains the reference point for much of cognitive developmental psychology, there has been a very marked decline in the degree to which many cognitive researchers subscribe to that theory. At the moment there is no grand integrative theory of cognitive development such Piaget's, much less of the field of developmental psychology as a whole. However, this may mean that the field as a whole is more open to different theoretical approaches. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Traits and trade-offs are an important tier.

Replies to comments by K. M. Sheldon et al (see record 2007-18356-014) on the author's original article (see record 2006-11202-005) on evolution and personality variation. Sheldon et al concurred with the thrust of that article that the way natural selection shapes or gives rise to interindividual variation is a worthy topic for evolutionary psychologists to consider, so at a broad level Sheldon et al and Nettle are in agreement. The contention concerns the utility of broad traits such as the Big Five personality factors in undertaking evolutionary personality psychology. Nettle does not concur that traits do not provide a good approach to understanding interindividual variation. They have proved their utility in humans and in other species. Nettle does agree that traits alone are not sufficient for understanding personality functioning, particularly in humans, and hopes that other psychologists, including perhaps Sheldon et al, will add an evolution-informed understanding of those higher tiers of personality to the framework Nettle has suggested for the base tier. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)