Questions tagged [evolutionary-psychology]

For questions about the empirical evidence for explaining behavior as a function of ancient evolutionary pressures.

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13 votes
4 answers
1k views

Why do humans cry?

People cry when they experience intense emotions. Crying seems to occur most frequently in intense episodes of sadness and fear, but sometimes also happens when people are very happy or angry. What is ...
Cemre's user avatar
  • 233
11 votes
1 answer
2k views

What explains involuntary imitation of behavior such as shrugging?

Recently, I watched a discussion program on TV and one of the participants shrugged. I found that, not only did I do the same, but I seemed to do it in synchrony the speaker. I didn't want to do this, ...
chasly - supports Monica's user avatar
7 votes
3 answers
494 views

Why do people tend to put stigma on victims of offences against the person such as rape or bullying?

Introduction: Blame against victims, regarding offences against the person, such as rape or bullying, seems to be a generally consistent social phenomenon, regardless of cultural or historical context....
drabsv's user avatar
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6 votes
1 answer
235 views

Evolutionary motivation for the existence of pleasure?

It seems like pleasure goes beyond needs. What is its purpose? Is it supposed to make you not do anything, because of how good you feel? Are there animals that don't feel pleasure, but only have needs ...
Jake1234's user avatar
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5 votes
2 answers
1k views

What is the evolutionary purpose of envy?

I am seeking for a general explanation within the context of evolutionary psychology. 1) What is the purpose of envy? 2) Is it safe to assume that experiences with envy should reach a maximum ...
sigma's user avatar
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