The SAGE Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology

Inside the Handbook

This substantial volume organizes twenty-five expert chapters into three clear parts that guide readers from theoretical foundations to empirical investigation.

Part I: Foundations of Evolutionary Psychology

• Sexual selection and differential reproduction
• Inclusive fitness and adaptive problems
• Evolved psychological mechanisms

Part II: Middle-Level Evolutionary Theories

• Parental investment and parent–offspring conflict
• Reciprocal altruism and the Trivers–Willard hypothesis
• Life history theory, sperm competition, and sexual conflict
• Attachment theory as a behavioral systems approach

Part III: Research Methods and Strategies

• Cross-species and cross-cultural research
• Neuroscientific methods and behavior genetics
• Sex differences and within-species individual differences
• Social biogeography and data sources for testing hypotheses

Why This Handbook Stands Out

Rather than presenting evolutionary psychology as a set of simple just-so stories, the contributors emphasize rigorous conceptual distinctions, evidentiary criteria, and empirical examples. Readers gain a sophisticated understanding of how evolutionary principles are translated into testable predictions and evaluated with diverse methodologies.

For Researchers, Students, and Clinicians

Graduate students and advanced undergraduates will appreciate the clarity with which complex theories are explained. Active researchers will find valuable syntheses of classic and contemporary work, and clinicians or academics in related disciplines can use the chapters on controversial issues and misunderstandings to engage with criticisms of evolutionary psychology in an informed way.

A Substantial Reference for Your Digital Library

This is not a quick-read introduction; it is a comprehensive reference that rewards careful study. With its consistent editorial direction and contributions from leading voices, the handbook is a reliable companion for anyone building a serious understanding of evolutionary psychology.