Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Evolutionary Psychology01:20

Evolutionary Psychology

1.2K
Evolutionary psychology explores the origins of human behavior and mental processes by framing them within the context of natural selection, a theory famously propounded by Charles Darwin. This field asserts that many behaviors common across human societies — ranging from instinctive fear reactions to complex social interactions — arose as evolutionary adaptations. These adaptations enhanced the survival and reproductive success of our ancestors, thereby becoming embedded in the...
1.2K
Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective01:23

Criticisms of the Evolutionary Perspective

440
In a study where individuals posing as strangers offered compliments and proposed casual sex to students, the responses differed significantly based on gender. Not a single woman accepted the proposal, while 70% of the men agreed. This outcome provides a useful scenario to explore through the lens of evolutionary psychology and social learning theory, highlighting the diverse perspectives on human sexual behaviors.
Evolutionary psychology provides one explanation for these findings, suggesting...
440
Natural Selection and Adaptation01:15

Natural Selection and Adaptation

1.6K
Natural selection, a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology, is the mechanism by which evolution is driven, favoring organisms that are best adapted to their environments. This process enhances their chances of survival and reproduction. Adaptation, a key outcome of this process, involves genetic modifications that optimize an organism's functionality under specific environmental challenges, such as extreme cold or thinner air at high altitudes.
Beyond physical adaptations,...
1.6K
Human Genetics01:28

Human Genetics

1.8K
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
1.8K
Introduction to Biological Bases of Psychology01:30

Introduction to Biological Bases of Psychology

5.2K
Biopsychology serves as a vital bridge connecting the intricate domains of biology and psychology, shedding light on how biological systems influence psychological phenomena. This field scrutinizes the biological substrates of behavior and mental processes, emphasizing the nervous system along with the roles of neurotransmitters, hormones, and genetics. It also incorporates evolutionary perspectives to explain the adaptive nature of mental functions.
The nervous system, the cornerstone of...
5.2K
Contemporary Psychology01:29

Contemporary Psychology

2.5K
Psychology explores human behavior and mental processes through various lenses, each offering unique insights. This overview examines key subfields, including biopsychology, evolutionary, developmental, personality, and social psychology, highlighting their approaches and contributions to understanding complex human behaviors.
Biopsychology
Biopsychology, also known as biological psychology or behavioral neuroscience, focuses on the biological underpinnings of behavior and mental processes. It...
2.5K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Retreatment with theta burst stimulation (TBS) for late life depression (LLD): A retrospective chart review.

Journal of psychiatric research·2023
Same author

Change in patient-centered outcomes of psychological well-being, sleep, and suicidality following treatment with intravenous ketamine for late-life treatment-resistant depression.

International journal of geriatric psychiatry·2023
Same author

Exploratory genome-wide analyses of cortical inhibition, facilitation, and plasticity in late-life depression.

Translational psychiatry·2023
Same author

Effect of prior pharmacotherapy on remission with sequential bilateral theta-burst versus standard bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in treatment-resistant late-life depression.

The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science·2023
Same author

Brain-Cognition Associations in Older Patients With Remitted Major Depressive Disorder or Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Multivariate Analysis of Gray and White Matter Integrity.

Biological psychiatry·2023
Same author

Effects of antipsychotic medication on functional connectivity in major depressive disorder with psychotic features.

Molecular psychiatry·2023

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 20, 2026

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents
06:55

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents

Published on: December 2, 2015

23.6K

Using Evolutionary Theory to Guide Mental Health Research.

Zachary Durisko1, Benoit H Mulsant2, Kwame McKenzie3

  • 1Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Ontario Evolutionary Ecology of Health Research Laboratories, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario duriskzt@mcmaster.ca.

Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie
|June 3, 2016
PubMed
Summary

Evolutionary medicine offers insights into psychiatric disorders, suggesting some may stem from normal adaptations, not just dysfunctions. This perspective can reshape understanding and treatment of mental health conditions.

Keywords:
evolutionevolutionary medicineevolutionary psychiatry

More Related Videos

Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
06:42

Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses

Published on: September 28, 2018

12.3K
A Multiple Integrated Social Stress Model for Psychiatric Disorders in Female C57BL/6J Mice
06:15

A Multiple Integrated Social Stress Model for Psychiatric Disorders in Female C57BL/6J Mice

Published on: July 15, 2025

1.5K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Mar 20, 2026

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents
06:55

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents

Published on: December 2, 2015

23.6K
Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
06:42

Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses

Published on: September 28, 2018

12.3K
A Multiple Integrated Social Stress Model for Psychiatric Disorders in Female C57BL/6J Mice
06:15

A Multiple Integrated Social Stress Model for Psychiatric Disorders in Female C57BL/6J Mice

Published on: July 15, 2025

1.5K

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Medicine
  • Psychiatry
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Psychiatric conditions often present with complex symptoms and unknown causes.
  • Evolutionary theory provides a framework for understanding disease etiology.
  • Natural selection plays a role in shaping human biology, including brain function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore how evolutionary approaches can illuminate the origins of psychiatric disorders.
  • To examine how natural selection influences the persistence of mental health conditions.
  • To propose an alternative model for understanding psychiatric conditions as potential adaptations.

Main Methods:

  • Review of previous applications of evolutionary theory in psychiatry.
  • Analysis of how natural selection may maintain or drive psychiatric conditions.
  • Conceptualization of psychiatric disorders through an evolutionary lens.

Main Results:

  • Some conditions classified as disorders may represent functioning adaptations.
  • Evolutionary perspectives can identify psychiatric conditions persisting due to natural selection.
  • This approach suggests alternative models for illness and intervention strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the evolutionary origins of psychiatric conditions is crucial for a complete etiological understanding.
  • Psychiatry may need to reconsider distress and impairment in light of evolutionary principles.
  • An evolutionary framework can lead to novel intervention strategies for mental health.