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How Genetic-Conflict Theory Can Inform Studies of Human Nature

Bibliographic Data

ID21786462
AuthorsJessica D Ayers (0000-0001-7722-0376, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume20
Issue4
Pages762-786
Publication date2025-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePerspectives on Psychological Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1745-6916 • E-ISSN: 1745-6924
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/17456916241227152
PMID38346115
OpenAlexW4391743220
LanguageEN
References cited183

Understanding how genetics influences human psychology is something that the evolutionary sciences emphasize. However, the functions of complex genetic influences on behavior have been overlooked in favor of perspectives that posit unitary influences of genes on behavior. One such example is the belief that human growth, development, and behavior are influenced uniformly by their genes even though previous research has highlighted the genetic conflict endemic in these domains. Although much psychological research has robustly documented areas in which we see the footprints of genetic conflict in human behavior, these areas are referred to by different names that prevent researchers from making connections under a unifying framework. In this article, I outline what genetic conflict is and how genetic conflict can provide a unifying framework for psychological investigations of social relationships. I also discuss avenues for future research on genetic conflict in humans and the importance of considering cultural, ecological, and other developmental factors when researching the genetic influences on human behavior

Behavioural genetics · Cognitive psychology · Developmental psychology · Epistemology · Political science · Unitary state · Cognitive Abilities and Testing · Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior · Psychology · Social and Intergroup Psychology · Social Psychology

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