How the threat of disease has shaped human behavior, with Mark Schaller, PhD
The COVID-19 pandemic is a grim reminder that infectious diseases have been a danger throughout human history\u2013so much so that the threat of infection has actually helped shape human evolution. Disgust, wariness of strangers, cultural norms around food and cleanliness\u2013all of these behaviors may have evolved at least in part to keep us safe from infectious disease. Researchers call this suite of protective mechanisms the behavioral immune system. University of British Columbia psychologist Mark Schaller, PhD, who coined that phrase, discusses the origins of the behavioral immune system and how behaviors that evolved to protect us from diseases may not be suitable for the threats we face today.\n We\u2019d love to know what you think of Speaking of Psychology, what you would change about it, and what you\u2019d like to hear more of. Please take our listener survey, visit\xa0www.apa.org/podcastsurvey.\n Links\n Mark Schaller, PhD\n Music\n Minimalist Piano w/ Cello\xa0by tyops\xa0via Freesound.org\n Freesound.org\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices