Understanding Risk-Taking Behavior: Insights from Evolutionary Psychology
Psychopathology
Risk-Taking Behavior
Karin Machluf,
David F. Bjorklund,
Karin Machluf
Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
Search for more papers by this authorDavid F. Bjorklund
Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
Search for more papers by this authorKarin Machluf,
David F. Bjorklund,
Karin Machluf
Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
Search for more papers by this authorDavid F. Bjorklund
Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Evolutionary developmental psychology posits that natural selection has operated across the lifespan, but especially in childhood, shaping psychological mechanisms that foster survival during the early years of life and also preparing children for life as adults. The tenets of evolutionary developmental psychology are briefly reviewed, along with a summary of life-history theory. Differential susceptibility theory and biological sensitivity to context theory are also outlined and applied to mental health. Adolescent risk-taking behavior is then examined from an evolutionary developmental perspective, assessing the independent contributions of environmental harshness and unpredictability in early childhood to later psychological functioning.
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Further Reading
- Belsky, J., Steinberg, L., & Draper, P. (1991). Childhood experience, interpersonal development and reproductive strategy: An evolutionary theory of socialization. Child Development, 62, 647–670.
- Bjorklund, D. F., & Hernández B., C. (2005). Evolutionary developmental psychology. In D. Buss (Ed.), Evolutionary psychology handbook (pp. 828–850). New York, NY: Wiley.
- Ellis, B. J., & Boyce, W. T. (2008). Biological sensitivity to context. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 17, 183–187.
- Ellis, B. J., Dahl, R. E., Del Giudice, M., Dishion, T. J., Figuerdo, A. F., Gray, P., & Wilson, D. S. (2012). The evolutionary basis of risky adolescent behavior: Implications for science, policy, and practice. Developmental Psychology, 48, 598–623.
- Ellis, B. J., Figueredo, A. J., Brumbach, B. H., & Schlomer, G. L. (2009). Fundamental dimensions of environmental risk: The impact of harsh versus unpredictable environments on the evolution and development of life history strategies. Human Nature, 20, 204–268.
- Steinberg, L. (2008). A social neuroscience perspective on adolescent risk-taking. Developmental Review, 28, 78–106.
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