Dimensions of environmental risk are unique theoretical constructs

Abstract

Life history theory serves as the foundation for the CLimate, Aggression, and Self-control in Humans (CLASH) model of aggression. However, this model embodies several misunderstandings of life history constructs and principles. The CLASH model does not recognize that environmental harshness and environmental unpredictability are unique theoretical constructs, rendering predictions and implications from the model suspect.

England first, America second: The ecological predictors of life history and innovation

“…These findings show that not all types of environmental harshness have similar effects on innovation and economic development. Cold demands impose selection pressures that are qualitatively different from those imposed by heat demands, parasite stress, and morbidity-mortality (Barbaro & Shackelford 2017; Van de Vliert & Murray 2018). Baumard's generalization that all harshness has similar effects on life history strategies is inconsistent with existing theory and findings.…”

The affective origins of the Industrial Revolution

“…These findings show that not all types of environmental harshness have similar effects on innovation and economic development. Cold demands impose selection pressures that are qualitatively different from those imposed by heat demands, parasite stress, and morbidity-mortality (Barbaro & Shackelford 2017;Van de Vliert & Murray 2018). Baumard's generalization that all harshness has similar effects on life history strategies is inconsistent with existing theory and findings.…”

Evolutionary Perspectives on Personality and Individual Differences

“…Variation of ecological factors (e.g., pathogen load) alter the relative costs and benefits involved with strategic allocation decisions. Current models of human life history strategies (Ellis et al, 2009) focus on two features of extrinsic risk -harshness and unpredictability -that can each (uniquely) result in phenotypic modifications to accelerate human life history strategies (Barbaro and Shackelford, 2017;Ellis et al, 2009;Quinlan, 2007). Environmental harshness refers to extrinsic morbidity-mortality rates in the local environment.…”