Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education, Cleveland State University, 2019, College of Education and Human Services

This study sought to discover whether single heterosexual mate preference differences between men and women who were born in Romania would have fluctuated as one became more acculturated to American way of life and if these sex differences may have been moderated by other variables such as SES and age. This study was based on the premises of evolutionary, social role and cultural theories, the former which stated that men tended to look for characteristics that signified reproductive value like good looks whereas women sought out men that evidenced characteristics of cultural success like having been financially independent. It was hypothesized that Romanian men tended to acculturate to American way of life faster than women and so would have been more inclined to prefer characteristics that signified cultural success over reproductive value whereas women would have tended to favor characteristics in line with the above paradigms. Along with various demographic questions that were completed, participants were asked to take 2 short surveys-one which rated gender differences in long term mate preferences and one which measured level of acculturation to American way of life. A total of 46 were included in the subsequent eight hierarchical regressions that were run. Results indicated some support for the evolutionary and social role theories; women indicated preference for the aggregate variable of cultural success as well the survey Item of Good Financial Prospect, while men indicated preference for the survey item of Good Cook and Housekeeper. Acculturation as a main effect as well as its vi interaction with gender was not significant. Participants who immigrated after the fall of communism endorsed most survey items to a higher degree. Age was found to be negatively correlated with younger persons who preferred to endorse the aggregate variable of Reproductive Value and Item Desire for Home and Children. Implic (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Kathryn MacCluskie EdD (Committee Co-Chair); Marius Boboc EdD (Committee Co-Chair); Michael Horvath PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Counseling Psychology; Evolution and Development; Psychology

Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, 2018, Psychology

According to the bargain hunting hypothesis, thriftiness requires a host of personality characteristics and psychological traits, namely contentiousness, intelligence, and self-control. Another part of the bargain hunting hypothesis attempts to explain why people, especially women, are often excited by the great deals they get and are motivated to tell others about them. According to this hypothesis, signaling thriftiness may signal to others a host of desirable traits, including the aforementioned traits as well as a good moral character, a long-term mating orientation, and a disinclination toward infidelity. In the current study, participants were asked to think of someone they know whose is thrifty or who engages in conspicuous consumption and to evaluate this person on a variety of personality and mating-related dimensions. We predicted that in comparison to conspicuous-consumption targets, thrifty targets would be perceived as more intelligent (including creativity and problem solving), conscientious, higher in self-control, more likeable, emotionally closer with participants, more agreeable, higher in moral character/virtue, lower in their degree of perceived vanity and in their valuation of wealth in others, and cheaper. We also predicted that thrifty targets would be perceived/rated as lower in short-term mating effort and infidelity probability, and higher in parenting effort and desirability as a long-term mate. The finding of our study supported the predictions that thrifty targets would be perceived as more intelligent, higher in self-control, more likable, emotionally closer to participants, lower in perceived vanity, lower in valuation of wealth in other, cheaper, and lower in short-term mating effort. Our findings also provided partial support for our predictions that thrifty targets would be perceived as more agreeable, higher in moral character, lower in infidelity probability, and higher in parenting effort and desirability as a long-term mate.

Committee: Anne Gordon PhD. (Advisor); Vern Bingman PhD. (Committee Member); William O'Brien PhD. (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, 2016, Psychology/Experimental

According to the competitive thriftiness hypothesis (Gordon & Nebl, 2015), being thrifty requires a number of cognitive and personality traits, namely conscientiousness, intelligence, and self-control. According to this hypothesis, thriftiness is also expected to be associated with a long-term mating orientation and an aversion to short-term mating and infidelity. One way to signal these desirable traits to others is by telling others about one's successful bargain-hunting experiences. A separate, large, and growing body of research suggests that women look, feel, sound, and act somewhat differently during the high-fertility window of their ovulatory cycle. Several studies converge on the notion that women are more oriented toward mating during this time, and that they engage in more sexual signaling, and increased intrasexual competition. In the current research, I made novel predictions about how women's spending and signaling behavior may vary as a function of their ovulatory status. Namely, I expected females near ovulation (when they are more fertile) to shop in a more thrifty manner than females not near ovulation. Additionally, I expected females near ovulation to engage in more signaling of their thriftiness than females not near ovulation. However, I expected this latter effect to be moderated by the target of the bragging, such that an increase in signaling of thriftiness among high-fertility females is expected to occur only when the target of the communication is another female. The findings of this study did not support the predictions; females near ovulation did not behave any differently in regards to thriftiness or bragging about thriftiness than females not near ovulation. The nature of the null results and the implications for the competitive thriftiness hypothesis are discussed.

Committee: Anne Gordon (Advisor); Casey Cromwell (Committee Member); Srinivas Melkote (Other); Bill O'Brien (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology

Psy. D., Antioch University, 2023, Antioch Santa Barbara: Clinical Psychology

Existing frameworks of psychopathology have received criticism from evolutionary researchers. It is argued that mental health research lacks theoretical unity and that there is no comprehensive understanding of psychiatric disorders. Evolutionary researchers have posited that a paradigm of psychopathology informed by evolution could accomplish this aim. Drawing from evolutionary biology, life history theory provides such a framework. Life history theory is a subfield of evolutionary biology that examines how organisms allocate limited environmental resources over their lifespan in order to maximize their fitness. The strategies that organisms adopt in response to their environment are referred to as life history strategies. These strategies are graphed on a spectrum between two poles, fast and slow. The fast and slow life history classifications form the basis of the fast-slow-defense activation model of psychopathology which describes causal pathways for mental disorder. Within this framework, sex is a moderating factor between life history strategy and psychopathology. At present, there is little empirical research evaluating the fast-slow-defense activation model. The current research seeks to provide an analysis of the fast-slow-defense activation framework by exploring the relationship between life history strategy, sex, and defense activation disorders particularly, depression. It is expected that there will be a causal relationship between life history strategy and depression. Specifically, a fast life history strategy will predict for increased symptoms of depression. In addition to this, it is expected that women with fast life histories experience greater symptoms of depression. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA, https://aura.antioch.edu/ and OhioLINK ETD Center, https://etd.ohiolink.edu.

Committee: Sandra Kenny Ph.D, M.B.A. (Committee Chair); Stephen Southern Ed.D. (Committee Member); Chris Howard Psy.D (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology; Psychotherapy

Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, 2014, Psychology/Experimental

In the current research predictions derived from three hypotheses regarding the adaptive function of female orgasm were tested. In Study 1, 199 female undergraduate students participated in an experiment that tested the Mr. Right and long-term pair bonding hypotheses that female orgasm functions as a long-term mate selection device and to promote attachment and bonding, respectively. In Study 2, 144 male undergraduate students participated in an experiment that tested the paternity confidence hypothesis that female orgasm functions as a signal of fidelity to males, which calibrates male investment. In both studies, participants imagined themselves as a member of a romantic relationship provided in a scenario. Within these scenarios, the relationships varied between either short-term or long-term and the frequency that the female experienced orgasm during intercourse varied between never, occasionally, and almost always. Participants were randomly assigned to one condition of this 2 (relationship context: short-term, long-term) x 3 (female orgasm frequency: never, occasionally, almost always) between-subjects design. Females answered questions regarding relationship satisfaction and males answered questions regarding investment. Tentative support for the Mr. Right hypothesis was found, with moderate effect sizes indicating a relationship between female orgasm frequency and female relationship satisfaction in short-term relationship contexts. Clear support was found for the long-term pair bonding hypothesis with a statistically significant relationship between female orgasm frequency and female relationship satisfaction in long-term relationship contexts being completely mediated by the female's love for her partner. No support was found for the paternity confidence hypothesis as there was no relationship between female orgasm frequency and male investment in long-term relationship contexts.

Committee: Anne Gordon Ph.D. (Advisor); Howard Cromwell Ph.D. (Committee Member); William O'Brien Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology

MA, University of Cincinnati, 2002, Arts and Sciences : Philosophy

This thesis is devoted to examining Leda Cosmides and John Tooby's use of evolutionary psychology as a heuristic framework for explaining human social behavior. Cosmides and Tooby are among the most vocal advocates of a now popular version of evolutionary psychology. They argue that the functional complexity of human reasoning can be best explained within the framework of adaptationism and that knowledge of the evolutionary environment of adaptiveness is essential to a scientifically satisfying explanation for why humans behave as they do. I first discuss the design logic of evolutionary psychology, and the methodology Cosmides and Tooby use. I then discuss the consequences of not adhering to standard scientific practice and whether Cosmides and Tooby's adhere to standard scientific practice in developing and testing their models.

Committee: Robert Richardson (Advisor) Subjects: Religion, Philosophy of

Master of Arts (MA), Ohio University, 2010, Philosophy (Arts and Sciences)

This thesis compares three theories which debate whether or not the trait of music is constitutive of a biological adaptation. Steven Pinker advances a view that music cannot be an adaptation because making or responding to music utilizes faculties which evolved for other reasons. On the next view, Geoffrey Miller claims that music is a sexually selected trait which evolved primarily to seduce potential mates. Finally, Ian Cross argues that music can be seen as an extension of juvenile behaviors into adulthood and has efficacy in the consolidation of bonds within a group. I conclude that all three theories are insufficient as an explanation of why music evolved in the hominid lineage. The main reasons why these theories all fail is they all rely upon a speculative historical reconstructions and imprecise definitions of music. To conclude, I suggest that a modified version of Pinker's non-adaptive hypothesis should be endorsed.

Committee: Arthur Zucker PhD (Committee Chair); Scott Carson PhD (Committee Member); Robert Briscoe PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Philosophy; Psychology

Master of Arts, Miami University, 2007, Psychology

Past research within the mere-exposure paradigm has found that objects made familiar are preferred relative to novel, but otherwise evaluatively-equal, objects. However, little research has been conducted to explore how this phenomenon affects behavior. Additionally, few prior investigations have examined the effect of mere exposure on negatively-valenced stimuli. The current research investigated both of these issues. In this work, participants were asked to approach and avoid novel and familiar stimuli; some that humans perceive as neutral in valence, some that humans innately find negative or threatening (e.g., predatory animals), and some that humans have learned are negative or threatening (e.g., weapons). Results showed that approach behavior was facilitated by stimulus familiarity and that novel stimuli trended toward evoking avoidance behaviors. The type of stimulus did not moderate these effects. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.

Committee: Heather Claypool (Advisor) Subjects: Psychology, Social

BA, Kent State University, 2012, College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Ambassador Crawford / Department of Management and Information Systems

This thesis is going to target what specific gender differences are found in the young, heterosexual adult population when it comes to mate choice. More narrowly, it will find out what psychological behaviors are found to be attractive and unattractive in an individual. Whether these traits are shaped by culture, evolution, or both is to be examined. This thesis will include the different possible mechanisms in psychology, such as cognitive, behavioral, and unconscious processes which take place before, during, and after a relationship. The proximity effect and the exposure effect will also be included as well as two mating timelines: short-term and long-term. The thesis will also pinpoint further associations of attractiveness such as narcissism and the "Nice Guy Paradox." Stockholm syndrome will also be explained to explore the adverse phenomenon of a relationship becoming abusive, and why some people may choose to stay in these abusive relationships. The Attachment Fertility Theory is also an important factor when studying the unfortunate effects of an abusive relationship, and it also will be a large topic of discussion.

Committee: Brad Shepherd Dr. (Advisor) Subjects: Evolution and Development; Psychology

Master of Applied Communication Theory and Methodology, Cleveland State University, 2010, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Humans engage their environment through the combined effort of the mind, body proper and corresponding instinctual emotive devices (Damasio, 1994). These structures are a part of the same phenomena: human biology. Our emotive devices along with the brain and body act as an interwoven organism appraising the environment and making necessary adjustments for it survival and efficient functioning. Moreover, these structures actively engage socially complex signals like those that we experience daily in our social world. Plausibly, when these devices are not utilized the interwoven organism will be in a state of atrophy. Much like an antigen would trigger a reaction from the body to promote homeostasis, this same idea can be applied to a social agent of alienation viewed through four dimensions of negative social valence: envy, embarrassment, guilt, and shame. This exploratory research employed an Evolutionary Psychology perspective whereby the human mind is viewed through the lens of the physiological and psychological mechanisms that created the developmental programs we use today (Cosmides & Tooby, 1992). This theoretical framework was used to study the relationship between human behavior, the state of alienation, and SNS. Based on survey data from college students, there seemed to be a relationship between alienation and Social Networking Sites. Alienation dimensions were highest among those who had the lowest amount of contacts on SNS. The findings from this study will add to the body of knowledge on Computer Mediated Communication as well as afford an opportunity for further research in understanding human behavior engaged in SNS through the viewpoint of Evolutionary Psychology.

Committee: Gary Pettey PhD (Advisor); Cheryl Bracken PhD (Committee Member); Robert Whitbred PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Communication; Physiological Psychology; Psychology; Social Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, 2009, Psychology/Clinical

The current study examined the roles of parental certainty and offspring's ability to convert parental investment into fitness benefits for the parent (via social competitiveness) in predicting parental favoritism. Participants were college students who had at least one fully-biological sibling. Participants completed a series of on-line questionnaires that assessed their personal experiences regarding parental favoritism (or non-favoritism) with each biological parent. Additionally, they completed questionnaires that assessed their levels of health, intelligence, ambition, physical attractiveness, and parental resemblance relative to their sibling. As expected, results indicated that paternal resemblance predicted paternal favoritism, whereas maternal resemblance did not predict maternal favoritism. Additionally, in partial support of a hypothesis, fathers were shown to demonstrate favoritism in more specific areas than were mothers. Contrary to predictions, health, offspring intelligence, ambition, and physical attractiveness did not consistently predict parental favoritism. Discussion centers on the implications of the findings, offers possible explanations regarding why certain expected results were not obtained, and makes recommendations for future research.

Committee: Anne Gordon PhD (Committee Chair); Eric Dubow PhD (Committee Member); Richard Anderson PhD (Committee Member); Jorge Chavez PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology

Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, 2009, Economics

This thesis examines the genesis of states, defined as territorial monopolists of violence with dominance hierarchy structures. Drawing from research in evolutionary psychology and anthropology, this paper uses game theory models to demonstrate under what conditions aggression, coalition-building, property, hierarchies, and territoriality are dominant strategies when humans are in competition over scarce resources. The paper also provides anthropological evidence that humans and their hominid ancestors faced these conditions in the environment of evolutionary adaptedness, explaining the emergence of aggression, rule-like behavior, coalitions, territoriality, and hierarchies among hominids. As the materialization of aggressive forces, the aggregation of these dominant strategies may be what we have come to call "states". It is concluded that the state as a mode of social organization is a stable equilibrium toward which humans invariably gravitate, explaining why humans do not live in a world of pure anarchism.

Committee: J. Kevin Quinn PhD (Advisor); M. Neil Browne PhD (Committee Member); Kyoo Kim PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Economics

Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, 2007, Psychology

Friends provide many benefits. However, same-sex friends may also compete with us for mates. Schadenfreude is the feeling of pleasure that occurs when another person experiences a misfortune. I view schadenfreude as a psychological mechanism designed to help us deal with the problems associated with intrasexual competition. In this research, I focus on competition between same-sex friends. Participants described a time when they experienced schadenfreude toward a same-sex or opposite-sex friend and completed a survey regarding schadenfreude in friendships. The primary hypothesis was that schadenfreude would be elicited within same-sex friendships by events that lowered one's friends' mate value. Results showed that schadenfreude is ubiquitous within college students' friendships. The most common themes present in participants' narrative accounts were competition within work, sports, and academic contexts, justice restoration, and misfortunes that occurred after a friend had rejected or betrayed the participant. Schadenfreude does appear to track physical attractiveness among women. However, schadenfreude does not appear to track status for men. The Discussion focuses on the ubiquitous nature of schadenfreude within friendships, highlighting a potential dark side of friendship.

Committee: Anne Gordon (Advisor) Subjects: Psychology, Social