Fast life history strategy males express highest levels of rule breaking & slow LHS males lowest; no differences in rule breaking between slow & fast LHS females; differences could be explained by role of males in rearing

Life History Theory: Evolutionary mechanisms and gender role on risk-taking behaviors in young adults. Javier Salas-Rodríguez, Luis Gómez-Jacinto, María Isabel Hombrados-Mendieta. Personality and Individual Differences, Volume 175, June 2021, 110752. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2021.110752

Abstract: Evolutionary psychology considers the human mind to be composed of multiple specific mechanisms with specific adaptive purposes. This evolutionary approach is in line with the domain-specific view of risk-taking behaviors. Based on the theoretical framework of Life History Theory, the present study analyzes the moderating effect of gender and the mediating effect of evolutionary domain-specific risks in young adult Spaniards (432 participants). K-factor, measured through the Mini-K, was used as an indicator of life history strategy (LHS). Evolutionary domain-specific risks were measured through the Evolutionary Domain-Specific Risk Scale and risk-taking behaviors through the Risky Behavior Questionnaire. Results showed an interaction effect between gender and LHS for rule breaking. Evolutionary domain-specific risks had a mediation effect between LHS and risk-taking behaviors, mainly through mate attraction. These results highlight the different effects of LHS on risk-taking behaviors based on gender and the impact of evolutionary mechanisms. It is, therefore, necessary to consider an evolutionary approach on intervention programs aimed at reducing risk-taking behaviors in young adults.

Keywords: Life History TheoryRisk-taking behaviorEvolutionary domain-specific riskGender differencesYoung adults