EvoS Journal: The Journal of the Evolutionary Studies Consortium
Volume 11, Special Issue 1, 2019
Title
Life History Speed Mediates the Relationship between Environmental Conditions, Health-Related Behaviors, and Self-Reported Health
Author(s)
Kruger, D. J., Kruger, J. S., Jordan, T., Sheu, J-J., Glassman, T., & Miller, S. A.
Abstract
Life history theory (LHT) is a powerful explanatory framework in evolutionary science, integrating evolutionary, ecological, and socio-developmental perspectives. This study tests a life history framework for understanding variation in health-related behaviors in a modern society. Several life history indicators, including the Mini-K, Consideration for Future Consequences, and environmental Resource Stability were tested as mediations of the influences of neighborhood conditions, both developmental and current, on tendencies for health promoting and health adverse behaviors. Both Consideration for Future Consequences and Resource Stability mediated the relationship between neighborhood conditions and self-reported health and patterns of health behaviors. However, scores on the Mini-K did not mediate these relationships. The results of the current study suggest that progress in understanding and improving human health may be accelerated greatly by integrating insights from life history theory. Many human health challenges are related to trade-offs between immediate and long-term rewards. Interventions to promote healthy behavioral patterns will benefit from efforts to improve direct environmental affordances as well as long-term environmental stability.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.59077/SZIH1930
How to cite this article:
Kruger, D. J., Kruger, J. S., Jordan, T., Sheu, J-J., Glassman, T., & Miller, S. A. (2020). Life history speed mediates the relationship between environmental conditions, health-related behaviors, and self-reported health. The Journal of the Evolutionary Studies Consortium, 11, Sp. Iss. (1), 68-93.
