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French JE, Makhanova A, Meltzer AL. Adaptive Calibration of Dyadic Sexual Desire Is Sex Differentiated and Disrupted by Hormonal Contraceptives. Arch Sex Behav 2024; 53:235-246. [PMID: 37932460 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02722-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Adaptive calibration models suggest that features of people's childhood ecologies can shape their reproductive outcomes in adulthood. Given the importance of dyadic sexual desire (i.e., desire for sex with a partner) for relationships and reproduction, we examined the extent to which people's childhood ecologies-especially the unpredictability of those ecologies-adaptively calibrate such desire. Nevertheless, because female (versus male) sexual desire is presumed to be more sensitive to situational factors, and because hormonal contraceptives alter myriad aspects of female physiology that influence female sexual desire, we predicted that adaptive calibration of dyadic sexual desire would emerge more strongly for naturally cycling females (versus females who use hormonal contraceptives and versus males). In Study 1, a total of 630 participants (159 males, 203 naturally cycling females, and 268 females using hormonal contraceptives) completed questionnaires assessing the harshness and unpredictability of their childhood ecologies as well as their sexual desire. Consistent with predictions, childhood unpredictability (but not harshness) was positively associated with dyadic (but not solitary) sexual desire among naturally cycling females (but not among females using hormonal contraceptives nor among males). Study 2, which consisted of 736 females (307 naturally cycling females, 429 females using hormonal contraceptives), replicated this pattern of results for females. These findings add to a growing literature suggesting that the instability of people's early childhood ecologies can adaptively calibrate their adult reproductive motivations and behaviors, including their dyadic sexual desire. Not only is the current finding among the first to show that some adaptive calibration processes may be sex differentiated, it further highlights that hormonal contraceptives, which alter the evolved reproductive physiology of females, may disrupt adaptive calibration processes (though such disruption may not be inherently negative).
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana E French
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, 116 Psychology Building, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA.
| | - Anastasia Makhanova
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Andrea L Meltzer
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
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2
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Makhanova A, Lambert WA, Blanchard R, Alcock J, Shattuck EC, Wilson MP. Pathogen disgust is associated with interpersonal bias among healthcare professionals. Evol Med Public Health 2023; 11:438-447. [PMID: 38022797 PMCID: PMC10667654 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoad036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Pathogen avoidance is a fundamental motive that shapes many aspects of human behavior including bias against groups stereotypically linked to disease (e.g. immigrants, outgroup members). This link has only been examined in convenience samples and it is unknown how pathogen avoidance processes operate in populations experiencing prolonged and heightened pathogen threat such as healthcare professionals. We examined whether healthcare professionals demonstrate the same link between pathogen disgust and intergroup bias as has been documented among the general population. Methodology Participants (N = 317; 210 healthcare professionals) were recruited using snowball sampling to take an online survey. Participants completed the Three Domain Disgust Scale to assess pathogen, sexual and moral disgust. Participants then rated their perceptions of a fictitious immigrant group ('Krasneeans') and the degree to which they endorsed group-binding moral values. Results Compared to control participants, healthcare professionals reported lower levels of pathogen disgust, but not sexual or moral disgust. However, regardless of profession, higher pathogen disgust was associated with viewing Krasneeans as less likeable and more unclean. Additionally, regardless of profession, higher pathogen disgust was associated with greater endorsement of group-binding moral values, although healthcare professionals reported greater overall endorsement of group-binding moral values than did control participants. Conclusions and implications Although healthcare professionals demonstrated lower levels of pathogen disgust, they nevertheless exhibited largely the same relationship between pathogen disgust and interpersonal biases as did control participants. One practical implication of this association is that pathogen avoidance motives may contribute to inequitable patient treatment in healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Makhanova
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, 216 Memorial Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - W Allen Lambert
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, 216 Memorial Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Ryan Blanchard
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, 216 Memorial Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Joe Alcock
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque NM 87131, USA
| | - Eric C Shattuck
- Department of Anthropology, Florida State University, 60 N Woodward Ave, Tallahassee FL 32304, USA
- Institute for Health Disparities Research, College for Health, Community, and Policy, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Michael P Wilson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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3
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French JE, McNulty JK, Makhanova A, Maner JK, Eckel LA, Nikonova L, Meltzer AL. An Empirical Investigation of the Roles of Biological, Relational, Cognitive, and Emotional Factors in Explaining Sex Differences in Dyadic Sexual Desire. Biol Psychol 2022; 174:108421. [PMID: 36031012 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2022.108421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
One challenge many marital couples face is that they experience discrepant levels of sexual desire for one another. Such discrepancies are particularly likely to arise in mixed-sex relationships because, at least in long-term relationships, men tend to have higher levels of sexual desire for their partner than do women. But what underlies this sex difference? We used a dyadic study of 100 mixed-sex community-based newlywed spouses to investigate the role of biological, relational, cognitive, and emotional factors in explaining sex differences in dyadic sexual desire for a long-term partner. Consistent with predictions, wives on average reported lower daily sexual desire for their spouse than did husbands. Moreover, individual differences in men's and women's levels of circulating testosterone explained this sex difference whereas relational (marital satisfaction, commitment), cognitive (sex-role identification, stress, self-esteem), and emotional (mood, depressive symptoms) factors did not. These findings advance our knowledge of factors that influence dyadic sexual desire and may have practical implications for treating relationship distress in mixed-sex marriages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana E French
- Oklahoma Center for Evolutionary Analysis, Oklahoma State University, 116 Psychology Building, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
| | - James K McNulty
- Florida State University, 1107 W. Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | | | - Jon K Maner
- Florida State University, 1107 W. Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Lisa A Eckel
- Florida State University, 1107 W. Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Larissa Nikonova
- Florida State University, 1107 W. Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Andrea L Meltzer
- Florida State University, 1107 W. Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
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Makhanova A, Plant EA, Ketterman AB, Maner JK. Pathogen threat and intergroup prejudice using the minimal group paradigm: Evidence from a registered report. EVOL HUM BEHAV 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Walker J, Makhanova A, Egeler M, Vargas I. 0435 The Relationship Between Pathogen Avoidance and Insomnia Symptoms: Results from a Longitudinal Study Conducted During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Sleep 2022. [PMCID: PMC9384109 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsac079.432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pathogen avoidance has intensified during the past two years because of fear related to the high transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2. This trend aligns with previous research that found increases in pathogen avoidance as a result of impaired immune system functioning, such as in the case of autoimmune disease. Another link to compromised immunity is the presence of insomnia symptoms, which may interfere with a healthy immune response to pathogens. It is not clear, however, if insomnia could be an immuno-compromising factor that leads to a compensatory increase in pathogen avoidance. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to explore the relationship between situational pathogen avoidance and insomnia symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A national online survey was conducted at two time points: April-June 2020 (baseline) and January-March 2021 (follow-up). Insomnia symptoms were assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Affective, cognitive, and behavioral responses that comprise pathogen avoidance psychology, especially as it pertains to avoidance of potentially pathogenic social stimuli, were assessed with the Situational Pathogen Avoidance (SPA) scale. Results 2,980 adults (mean age = 47 years) completed both surveys. Overall, the means on the SPA scale at both time points were higher than previously published norms (mean at both timepoints = 5.4), suggesting that average pathogen avoidance increased since the onset of the pandemic. The mean differences in the SPA scale varied by insomnia symptoms (at both time points), with participants who endorsed clinically elevated insomnia (ISI >14) reporting higher pathogen avoidance (baseline, F(1,2972) =10.4, p = 0.001; follow-up, F(1,2918) =26.6, p < 0.001).The mean differences in the SPA scale by insomnia were greater at follow-up compared to baseline (mean difference at baseline = 0.19; mean difference at follow-up = 0.33). This suggests that, compared to the initial months of the pandemic (Apr–June 2020), the relationship between insomnia and situational pathogen avoidance was stronger post-pandemic peak (Jan–Mar 2021). Conclusion Our findings suggest that there is a positive correlation between insomnia symptoms and situational pathogen avoidance. Furthermore, results indicated that this relationship became stronger as the pandemic went on. Support (If Any) K23HL141581 (PI: Vargas); R25HL10544 (PI: Jean-Louis); K24AG055602 (PI: Perlis)
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Ketterman A, Makhanova A, Reynolds TA, Case CR, McNulty JK, Eckel LA, Nikonova L, Flynn HA, Maner JK. Prevalence and predictors of “nesting”: Solutions to adaptive challenges faced during pregnancy. EVOL HUM BEHAV 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Reynolds CJ, Makhanova A, Nikonova L, Eckel LA, Conway P. Testosterone and cortisol do not predict rejecting harm or maximizing outcomes in sacrificial moral dilemmas: A preregistered analysis. Horm Behav 2021; 136:105063. [PMID: 34598057 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Contemporary moral psychology explores the biological underpinnings of morality, including how neuromodulators influence moral judgment and decision making. Some studies suggest that higher circulating testosterone is associated with increased acceptance of sacrificial harm, such as killing one person to save five lives, consistent with utilitarian ethics and inconsistent with deontological ethics. However, most studies employ conventional analytic techniques that conflate concern about outcomes with reduced concern about sacrificial harm, many are statistically underpowered, and none examine potential regulating effects of cortisol. Therefore, we examined whether salivary concentrations of testosterone and cortisol jointly predict sacrificial dilemma judgments among a large sample of undergraduates (n = 199). We utilized an advanced cognitive modeling technique (process dissociation) to independently assess sensitivity to causing harm and maximizing outcomes, preregistering the prediction that higher testosterone would predict reduced harm-rejection rather than increased concern for outcomes, especially among people low in cortisol. However, neither testosterone, nor cortisol, nor their interaction predicted sacrificial dilemma response tendencies. Such findings raise questions about the robustness of past evidence suggesting links between testosterone and sacrificial dilemma judgments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb J Reynolds
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St., Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA; Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, 1834 Wake Forest Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA.
| | - Anastasia Makhanova
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St., Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA; Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, 216 Memorial Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Larissa Nikonova
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St., Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Lisa A Eckel
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St., Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Paul Conway
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St., Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, King Henry I Street, King Henry Building, PO1 2DY Portsmouth, United Kingdom
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Chester DS, Martelli AM, West SJ, Lasko EN, Brosnan P, Makhanova A, Meltzer AL, McNulty JK. Neural mechanisms of intimate partner aggression. Biol Psychol 2021; 165:108195. [PMID: 34592359 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2021.108195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
People sometimes hurt those they profess to love; yet our understanding of intimate partner aggression (IPA) and its causes remains incomplete. We examined brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in an ethnically and racially diverse sample of 50 female-male, monogamous romantic couples as they completed an aggression task against their intimate partner, a close friend, and a different-sex stranger. Laboratory and real-world IPA were uniquely associated with altered activity within and connectivity between cortical midline structures that subserve social cognition and the computation of value. Men's IPA most corresponded to lower posterior cingulate reactivity during provocation and women's IPA most corresponded to lower ventromedial prefrontal cortex activity during IPA itself. Actor-partner independence modeling suggested women's IPA may correspond to their male partner's neural reactivity to provocation. Broadly, these findings highlight the importance of self-regulatory functions of the medial cortex and away from effortful inhibition subserved by dorsolateral cortices.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Chester
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA.
| | - Alexandra M Martelli
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Samuel J West
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Emily N Lasko
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Phoebe Brosnan
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Anastasia Makhanova
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Andrea L Meltzer
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - James K McNulty
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
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Campbell R, Walker J, Makhanova A, Vargas I. 655 The Role of Insomnia Symptoms in the Relation between Perceived Vulnerability to Disease and COVID-19 Anxiety. Sleep 2021. [PMCID: PMC8135526 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsab072.653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Individuals who report greater perceived vulnerability to disease (e.g., experience emotional discomfort to situations where pathogen transmission is likely) also have the tendency to endorse more anxiety. Insomnia is also associated with greater anxiety. This study assessed (1) whether perceived vulnerability to disease was associated with increased anxiety related to COVID-19 and (2) whether this association was moderated or mediated by insomnia symptoms. Methods 1199 primarily female (n = 845), white (n = 982) participants (mage = 30.52) completed an online survey including the Sleep Disorder Symptom Checklist- 25 (SDS-CL-25), Perceived Vulnerability to Disease (PVD) scale, and a rating of COVID-19 anxiety (scale = 0–100; m = 55.81, sd = 25.39). Insomnia symptoms were calculated using the sum of SDS-CL-25 items 3–6 (m = 7.55, sd = 3.58). The PVD subscales germ aversion (GA; m = 4.18, sd = 1.22) and perceived vulnerability to infection (PVI; m = 3.69, sd = 1.39) were also computed. Results Regressions were used to test if insomnia mediated the impact of GA and PVI on COVID-19 anxiety. The relations between COVID-19 anxiety and insomnia (b = 1.30, t(1197) = 6.47), GA (b =3.60, t(1197) = 6.09), and PVI (b =3.73, t(1197) = 7.20) were significant (p’s < .001). Mediation analyses using the mediation package in R (bootstrap estimation = 1000 samples) showed direct effects of GA (b = 3.26, 95% CI = 2.04 – 4.42, p < .001) and PVI (b = 3.16, 95% CI = 2.00 – 4.22, p < .001) and mediation effects of insomnia (b =.44, 95% CI = .19 - .73, p < .001; b =.58, 95% CI = .33 - .86, p < .001, respectively). According to the moderation analyses, the association between PVD and COVID-19 anxiety did not significantly vary at different levels of insomnia. Conclusion Results suggest insomnia symptoms partially mediate the relationship between perceived vulnerability to disease and COVID-19 anxiety. These associations are likely bidirectional, and therefore, more work in this area is needed, especially with regard to how improved sleep may attenuate risk factors for anxiety. Support (if any) K23HL141581 (PI: Vargas)
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Makhanova A, McNulty JK, Eckel LA, Nikonova L, Bartz JA, Hammock EAD. CD38 is associated with bonding-relevant cognitions and relationship satisfaction over the first 3 years of marriage. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2965. [PMID: 33536489 PMCID: PMC7859203 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82307-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there are numerous benefits to having a satisfying romantic relationship, maintaining high levels of relationship satisfaction is difficult. Many couples experience declines in relationship satisfaction in the early years of marriage, and such declines predict not only relationship dissolution but also poor mental and physical health. Several recent studies indicate that genetic variation on the CD38 gene (CD38), at the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs3796863, is associated with cognitions and behaviors related to pair bonding; we thus leveraged longitudinal data from a sample of newlywed couples (N = 139 genotyped individuals; 71 couples) to examine whether rs3796863 is associated with relationship maintenance processes and, in turn, relationship satisfaction in the early years of marriage. Replicating and extending prior research, we found that individuals with the CC genotype (vs. AC/AA) of rs3796863 reported higher levels of gratitude, trust, and forgiveness and that trust mediated the association between rs3796863 and marital satisfaction. Moreover, the benefits conferred to CC individuals lasted over the first 3 years of marriage. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the link between variation in CD38 rs3796863 and marital functioning over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Makhanova
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, 216 Memorial Hall, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA.
| | - James K McNulty
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Lisa A Eckel
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Larissa Nikonova
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Jennifer A Bartz
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, 2001 McGill College Ave, Montreal, QC, H3A 1G1, Canada
| | - Elizabeth A D Hammock
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
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Makhanova A, Shepherd MA, Plant EA, Gerend MA, Maner JK. Childhood illness as an antecedent of perceived vulnerability to disease. Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences 2020. [DOI: 10.1037/ebs0000238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Abstract
People possess psychological processes that help them avoid pathogens, which is particularly important when novel infectious diseases (e.g., COVID-19) spread through the population. Across two studies we examined whether trait pathogen avoidance (operationalized as perceived vulnerability to disease; PVD) was linked with responses to COVID-19 and preventative behaviors. In Study 1, PVD was positively associated with stronger reactions to the threat of COVID-19, including increased anxiety, perceptions that people should alter their typical behavior, as well as reported importance of engaging in proactive and social distancing behaviors. In Study 2, PVD was again associated with increased anxiety, as well as more vigilant behavior when grocery shopping, fewer trips to the store, and fewer face-to-face interactions. These associations remained significant when controlling for the Big-5 personality traits. Although the two subscales of PVD (germ aversion and perceived infectability) were often parallel predictors, several differences between the subscales emerged. Germ aversion may be more associated with behaviors whereas perceived infectability with vigilance. Trait pathogen avoidance linked to stronger responses to the threat of COVID-19. Trait pathogen avoidance linked to greater social distancing. Link to social distancing emerges when controlling for Big Five traits. Germ aversion and perceived infectability demonstrate some different effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Makhanova
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, United States of America
| | - Melissa A Shepherd
- Department of Psychology, Montevallo University, United States of America
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Reynolds CJ, Makhanova A, Ng BK, Conway P. Bound together for God and country: The binding moral foundations link unreflectiveness with religiosity and political conservatism. Personality and Individual Differences 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.109632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Makhanova A, Plant EA, Monroe AE, Maner JK. Binding together to avoid illness: Pathogen avoidance and moral worldviews. Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences 2019. [DOI: 10.1037/ebs0000141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Gassen J, Prokosch ML, Makhanova A, Eimerbrink MJ, White JD, Proffitt Leyva RP, Peterman JL, Nicolas SC, Reynolds TA, Maner JK, McNulty JK, Eckel LA, Nikonova L, Brinkworth JF, Phillips MD, Mitchell JB, Boehm GW, Hill SE. Behavioral immune system activity predicts downregulation of chronic basal inflammation. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203961. [PMID: 30235317 PMCID: PMC6147464 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we present a mechanistically grounded theory detailing a novel function of the behavioral immune system (BIS), the psychological system that prompts pathogen avoidance behaviors. We propose that BIS activity allows the body to downregulate basal inflammation, preventing resultant oxidative damage to DNA and promoting longevity. Study 1 investigated the relationship between a trait measure of pathogen avoidance motivation and in vitro and in vivo proinflammatory cytokine production. Study 2 examined the relationship between this same predictor and DNA damage often associated with prolonged inflammation. Results revealed that greater trait pathogen avoidance motivation predicts a) lower levels of spontaneous (but not stimulated) proinflammatory cytokine release by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), b) lower plasma levels of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), and c) lower levels of oxidative DNA damage. Thus, the BIS may promote health by protecting the body from the deleterious effects of inflammation and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Gassen
- Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Marjorie L. Prokosch
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Anastasia Makhanova
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America
| | - Micah J. Eimerbrink
- Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jordon D. White
- Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Randi P. Proffitt Leyva
- Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Julia L. Peterman
- Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sylis C. Nicolas
- Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Tania A. Reynolds
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jon K. Maner
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America
| | - James K. McNulty
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America
| | - Lisa A. Eckel
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America
| | - Larissa Nikonova
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jessica F. Brinkworth
- Department of Anthropology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States of America
| | - Melody D. Phillips
- Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Joel B. Mitchell
- Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Gary W. Boehm
- Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sarah E. Hill
- Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States of America
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Makhanova A, McNulty JK, Eckel LA, Nikonova L, Maner JK. Sex differences in testosterone reactivity during marital conflict. Horm Behav 2018; 105:22-27. [PMID: 30028987 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
When attempting to resolve relationship problems, individuals in close relationships sometimes challenge their partners with statements that oppose their partners' point of view. Such oppositional behaviors may undermine those partners' relational value and threaten their status within the relationship. We examined whether perceptions of opposition from a partner during a series of problem-solving interactions were associated with reactivity in testosterone levels and whether those associations were different for men and women. Fifty newlywed couples discussed four marital problems. Each member of the couple reported how much oppositional behavior they perceived from their partner during the discussions. Pre- and post-discussion saliva samples were assayed for testosterone. For men, but not for women, perceptions of oppositional behavior were associated with heightened testosterone reactivity, and this result replicated across three different measures of testosterone reactivity. Findings were specific to men's perceptions of oppositional behavior, and held controlling for objective measures of oppositional behavior coded from videos of the conversations. Results highlight the benefits of considering pair-bonded relationships as a novel context for investigating associations involving hormones and behavior. Findings also raise the possibility that sex differentiated hormonal reactions to opposition partly explain why conflict among heterosexual partners can be so divisive.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lisa A Eckel
- Florida State University, United States of America
| | | | - Jon K Maner
- Florida State University, United States of America
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17
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Reynolds TA, Makhanova A, Marcinkowska UM, Jasienska G, McNulty JK, Eckel LA, Nikonova L, Maner JK. Progesterone and women's anxiety across the menstrual cycle. Horm Behav 2018; 102:34-40. [PMID: 29673619 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Animal models and a few human investigations suggest progesterone may be associated with anxiety. Progesterone naturally fluctuates across the menstrual cycle, offering an opportunity to understand how within-person increases in progesterone and average progesterone levels across the cycle correspond to women's anxiety. Across two longitudinal studies, we simultaneously modeled the between- and within-person associations between progesterone and anxiety using multilevel modeling. In Study 1, 100 Polish women provided saliva samples and reported their anxiety at three phases of the menstrual cycle: follicular, peri-ovulatory, and luteal. A significant between-person effect emerged, revealing that women with higher average progesterone levels across their cycles reported higher levels of anxiety than women with lower progesterone cycles. This effect held controlling for estradiol. In Study 2, 61 American women provided saliva samples and reported their attachment anxiety during laboratory sessions during the same three cycle phases. A significant between-person and within-person association emerged: women with higher average progesterone levels reported higher levels of attachment anxiety, and as women's progesterone levels increased across their cycles, so too did their attachment anxiety. These effects held controlling for cortisol. In sum, both studies provide support for a link between menstrual cycle progesterone levels and subjective anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania A Reynolds
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St., Tallahassee, FL 32304, United States.
| | - Anastasia Makhanova
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St., Tallahassee, FL 32304, United States.
| | - Urszula M Marcinkowska
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Grzegórzecka 20, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Grazyna Jasienska
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Grzegórzecka 20, Krakow, Poland.
| | - James K McNulty
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St., Tallahassee, FL 32304, United States.
| | - Lisa A Eckel
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St., Tallahassee, FL 32304, United States.
| | - Larissa Nikonova
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St., Tallahassee, FL 32304, United States.
| | - Jon K Maner
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St., Tallahassee, FL 32304, United States.
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McNulty JK, Meltzer AL, Makhanova A, Maner JK. Attentional and evaluative biases help people maintain relationships by avoiding infidelity. J Pers Soc Psychol 2018; 115:76-95. [PMID: 29431460 DOI: 10.1037/pspi0000127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Two longitudinal studies of 233 newlywed couples suggest that automatic attentional and evaluative biases regarding attractive relationship alternatives can help people maintain relationships by avoiding infidelity. Both studies assessed participants' tendency to automatically disengage attention from photos of attractive, opposite sex individuals; one study assessed participants' tendency to devalue those individuals by comparing their attractiveness evaluations to evaluations made by single people, and both studies assessed infidelity and relationship status multiple times for approximately three years. Several sources of devaluation emerged, but only participants' history of short-term sex predicted both biases; having more short-term sexual partners was associated with being slower to disengage attention from attractive alternatives, and, among men, evaluating such individuals more positively. In turn, both processes exerted indirect effects on relationship dissolution by predicting infidelity; being 100 ms faster to disengage attention from attractive alternatives or rating them 2 scale points lower in attractiveness was associated with a decrease in the odds of infidelity of approximately 50%; the effect of devaluation on infidelity was stronger among participants who evidenced steeper declines in marital satisfaction. These associations emerged because unfaithful individuals took longer to disengage attention from attractive alternatives compared with other social targets and did not differ from singles in their evaluations of those alternatives. Among several other predictors of infidelity, partner attractiveness was associated with a decrease in the odds of infidelity among men but not women. These findings suggest a role for basic psychological processes in predicting infidelity, highlight the critical role of automatic processes in relationship functioning, and suggest novel ways to promote relationship success. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jon K Maner
- Department of Management, Northwestern University
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19
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Makhanova A, McNulty JK, Maner JK. Relative Physical Position as an Impression-Management Strategy: Sex Differences in Its Use and Implications. Psychol Sci 2017; 28:567-577. [PMID: 28485703 DOI: 10.1177/0956797616688885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
People's physical position relative to others may shape how those others perceive them. The research described here suggests that people use relative physical position to manage impressions by strategically positioning themselves either higher or lower relative to ostensible observers. Five studies supported the prediction that women take and display photographs portraying themselves in a low relative physical position to highlight their youthful features and appear attractive, whereas men take and display photographs portraying themselves in a high relative physical position to highlight their size and appear dominant. The effectiveness of these strategies was confirmed in two studies that measured social perceptions of male and female targets who varied in their relative position. In sum, as do members of other social species, people use relative physical position to manage social impressions, and although these impression-management strategies may have deep ancestral roots, they appear to manifest themselves through a contemporary human modality-photographs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jon K Maner
- 2 Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University
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20
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Meltzer AL, Makhanova A, Hicks LL, French JE, McNulty JK, Bradbury TN. Quantifying the Sexual Afterglow: The Lingering Benefits of Sex and Their Implications for Pair-Bonded Relationships. Psychol Sci 2017; 28:587-598. [PMID: 28485699 DOI: 10.1177/0956797617691361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex presumably facilitates pair bonding, but how do partners remain pair-bonded between sexual acts? Evolutionary perspectives suggest that sexual afterglow serves this purpose. We explored how long sexual satisfaction would remain elevated following sex and predicted that stronger sexual afterglow would characterize more satisfying partnerships. We pooled the data from two independent, longitudinal studies of newlywed couples to examine these issues. Spouses reported their daily sexual activity and sexual satisfaction for 14 days and their marital satisfaction at baseline and 4 or 6 months later. Results demonstrated that sexual satisfaction remained elevated approximately 48 hr after sex, and spouses experiencing a stronger afterglow reported higher levels of marital satisfaction both at baseline and over time. We interpret these findings as evidence that sexual afterglow is a proximal cognitive mechanism through which sex promotes pair bonding.
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Makhanova A, Miller SL, Maner JK. Germs and the out-group: Chronic and situational disease concerns affect intergroup categorization. Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences 2015. [DOI: 10.1037/ebs0000028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Makhanova A, Miller SL. Female Fertility and Male Mating: Women's Ovulatory Cues Influence Men's Physiology, Cognition, and Behavior. Social and Personality Psychology Compass 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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