Testing a life history model of psychopathology: A replication and extension

Abstract

The life history model of psychopathology provides an alternate framework for understanding the development and etiology of psychopathology; however, presently there is minimal empirical support for this perspective. The current study (N = 343) replicated and extended previous research, investigating the associations between life history traits, including demographic indicators, attachment, and psychopathology, in a mental health and general population sample. The study specifically aimed to explore whether life history traits were associated with a general factor of psychopathology or whether they could also predict specific symptom groups, with results suggesting that life history traits could predict both. Furthermore, results revealed that people who expressed faster life history traits reported elevated general psychopathology; however, symptoms were in fact associated with traits of both slow and fast life history strategies. Specifically, interpersonal sensitivity and depression were experienced at higher rates for people who express higher levels of traits reflective of a faster life history strategy; whereas, somatization and anxiety were experienced at higher rates for people who express more traits typical of a slower strategy. Interestingly, paranoid ideation was experienced at higher rates for males who express faster life history traits. This research has several theoretical and practical implications, in replicating and extending previous studies, providing insight into psychopathological symptomatology, including variation in individuals’ risks for developing a range of mental disorders.