The evolutionary mismatch hypothesis: Implications for psychological science

• Main Authors: LI, Norman P., VAN VUGT, Mark, COLARELLI, Stephen M.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2018
• Subjects: mismatch; adaptive lag; supernormal stimuli; evolutionary psychology; Psychology; Theory and Philosophy
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/soss_research/2418; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/context/soss_research/article/3675/viewcontent/Evolutionary_Mismatch_Hypo_pv.pdf
• Institution: Singapore Management University

Human psychological mechanisms are adaptations that evolved to process environmental inputs, turning them into behavioral outputs that, on average, increase survival or reproductive prospects. Modern contexts, however, differ vastly from the environments that existed as human psychological mechanisms evolved. Many inputs now differ in quantity and intensity or no longer have the same fitness associations, thereby leading many mechanisms to produce maladaptive output. We present the precepts of this evolutionary mismatch process, highlight areas of mismatch, and consider implications for psychological science and policy.