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An Introduction to Positive Evolutionary Psychology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 April 2023

Glenn Geher
Affiliation:
State University of New York, New Paltz
Megan Fritche
Affiliation:
State University of New York, New Paltz
Avrey Goodwine
Affiliation:
State University of New York, New Paltz
Julia Lombard
Affiliation:
State University of New York, New Paltz
Kaitlyn Longo
Affiliation:
State University of New York, New Paltz
Darcy Montana
Affiliation:
State University of New York, New Paltz

Summary

Over the past few decades, evolutionary psychology has shed light on such features of the human experience as mating, love, religion, aggression, warfare, physical health, mental health, and more. The field of positive psychology has progressed along a parallel trajectory, using behavioral science techniques to help our understanding of human thriving at the individual and community levels. Positive Evolutionary Psychology is dedicated to the integration of positive and evolutionary psychology, with an eye toward using Darwinian-inspired concepts to help advance our understanding of human thriving. This Element describes the basic ideas of this new approach to behavioral science as well as examples that dip into various aspects of the human experience, including such topics as health, education, friendships, love, and more–all with an eye toward providing a roadmap for the application of Darwinian principles to better understanding human thriving and the good life.
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