The Co-Evolution of Sexual Desire, Narcissistic Vulnerability, and Adaptations for Reproductive Advantage

Abstract

According to evolutionary psychologists humans possess a variety of "sexual ornaments," physical as well as psychological traits that have evolved as adaptations for reproductive advantage. These sexual ornaments serve as sexually selected indicators of fitness that are automatically assessed, inspire attentional adhesion, and evoke sexual desire in those searching for a mate. Mate choice is therefore determined by the relative presence or absence of these sexually selected indicators of fitness in comparison to the competition. Mate value of self and others is assessed through social comparison according to these sexually selected indicators of fitness. Narcissistic equilibrium is to a significant extent regulated by one's self-perceived survival and reproductive fitness. Implications for psychoanalytic theory of concepts and research findings from the field of evolutionary psychology are discussed.