Evolutionary Psychology

Everybody seems to be scratching their heads about homosexuals these days. For evolutionary theorists, the question is: Why? If homosexuality (at least male homosexuality) is largely heritable, as seems to be pretty well documented, how does the "gay gene" persist in human populations over evolutionary time? If gay men – pretty much by definition – take themselves out of the gene pool, why are their genes still in there splashing around? Read More

 What makes a guy or gal "hot?" Most of us would say it's that inexplicable phenomenon known as chemistry. It's about his or her looks, smell, sound, touch, feelings, experiences, intentions, goals ─ all the senses and emotions that thrills you. So what's the brain got to do with all of this? Everything. Read More

As I mentioned last time, my book on death, dying and anomalous occurrences is now out.  My son Chris figures in the book as he too lost many of his immediate family, including his sister, Kim, and some years later, his young wife, Kiera.  After reading the printed version he called to say that I had forgotten to add a strange occurrence he experienced on the morning of his sister’s d Read More

Ecopsychology is a branch of the field that theorizes that our mental health is related to the health of the earth.  Ecopsychologists argue that our mental health is dependent on how the natural world lives and dies around us. Read More

UBC psychologist Mark Schaller’s research demonstrates big differences between prejudice based on fear and prejudice based on disgust. Schaller notes that movies exploit both kinds of prejudices – sometimes depicting big bad burly guys with guns, other times depicting oozing, slimy, disease-ridden aliens.  District 9 manages to turn the volume up on both fear and disgust at the same time, while depicting a nearly hopeless and degenerate world full of prejudice.  How does it do all these nasty things in a way that is psychologically appealing enough to merit a nomination for Best Picture? (Coauthored by Douglas T. Kenrick) Read More

Research on altrusim and cooperation is at the forefront of social science research. Here is a review of a recent study that looks at the development of prosocial behavior in children... Read More

Notwithstanding the desirability of tall men, it appears that the most important issue is not that the man be taller than a certain height, rather the main concern for women is that their men should be taller than them. Read More

People who identify as either liberal or as conservative are likely to think that they hold moral beliefs and the opposing side does not.  That’s a basic disconnect which can kill meaningful conversation.  Read More

Historian Howard Zinn, who died this week, spoke truth to power fearlessly. Is anyone listening? Read More