PSYCH 1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Coronary Artery Disease, Psych, East Los Angeles College
Document Summary
Cultural evolution: the adaptive change of a culture to recurrent environmental pressures (driven mainly by psychological forces) Resulted in much higher standard of living (compared to prehistoric ancestors) but has also produced threats law of effect: behaviours that produce favourable outcomes tend to be repeated. Unhealthy behaviours are rewarding immediately, while healthy behaviours (may be more aversive in the short term) predict long- term benefits. Behaviours immediately followed by reward- more likely to be repeated. Lifestyle: the aggregate behaviour of a person- the way in which a person leads their life. Genes that promote many unhealthy lifestyles are overlooked by biological. Today, physical survival isn"t the main stressor; physiology has not changed from when it evolution (not relevant to reproduction) was (ancestors) We deal with psychological stresses as though they were physical. Evolution has changed our stressors emphasizing social survival. Healthy lifestyles enhance individuals well-being (both physical and psychological) while unhealthy lifestyles diminish a person"s well being.
