Proximate Mechanisms: Psychology, Neuroendocrine System, and Central Nervous System

Abstract

An evolutionary, life history framework can provide useful interpretation of previous findings in psychological and epidemiological research on the proximate mechanisms that influence physical activity and inactivity . It can also allow for innovative and unique hypotheses to be generated that can be tested in future research on factors that mediate or moderate the effects of these variables on physical activity. This chapter provides examples of health psychology research on physical activity that can benefit from an evolutionary perspective. It then presents novel hypotheses of physiological mechanisms that orchestrate energy allocation from a life history framework. The HPG and HPA axes of the neuroendocrine system are summarized to understand the ways they influence and are influenced by physical activity. This can lead to research aimed at testing whether physical activity reflects predicted adaptive trade-offs between competing energetic demands. The chapter concludes by proposing an integrative evolutionary model that aims to assimilate the phylogenetic, developmental, ultimate, and proximate predictors of physical activity based on the evolutionary life history perspective presented.