Where the psychological adaptations hit the ecological road
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Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
Peter K Jonason1, David P Schmitt2
1School of School of Social Sciences and Psychology,Western Sydney University,Penrith,NSW 2751,Australiap.jonason@westernsydney.edu.auwww.peterjonason.com.
Abstract:
We argue that the target authors focus too much on adaptive behavioral responses and not enough on actual psychological adaptations. We suggest the Dark Triad traits may represent facultative, psychological adaptations sensitive to seasonal variance and food shortages. We document that shorter distances from the equator are linked to higher national narcissism levels, whereas longer distances are associated with higher national-level machiavellianism. Dark Triad traits may serve as critical survival mechanisms when prioritizing oneself over and/or at the cost of others.
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