Parasite-stress theory

Schistosoma mansoni, an endoparasite that lives in human tissue

Parasite-stress theory, or pathogen-stress theory, is a theory of human evolution proposing that parasites and diseases encountered by a species shape the development of species' values and qualities, proposed by researchers Corey Fincher and Randy Thornhill.

The differences in how parasites and diseases stress people's development is what leads to differences in their biological mate value and mate preferences, as well as differences across culture.[1] Parasites causing diseases pose potential ecological hazards and, subsequently, selection pressures can alter psychological and social behaviours of humans, as well as have an influence on their immune systems.[2]

  1. ^ Thornhill, Randy; Fincher, Corey (2014). The Parasite-Stress Theory of Values and Sociality. New York: Springer. pp. 59–63. ISBN 978-3-319-08039-0.
  2. ^ Fincher, C.; Thornhill, R.; Murray, D.R.; Schaller, M. (2008). "Pathogen prevalence predicts human cross-cultural variability in individualism/collectivism". Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 275 (1640): 1279–1285. doi:10.1098/rspb.2008.0094. PMC 2602680. PMID 18302996.