Evolutionary Strategies

Cognitive therapists, Aaron T. Beck, Arthur Freeman, Denise D. Davis, and associates explain their use of the term "strategy":

"Why do we apply the term "strategy" to characteristics that have been traditionally labeled "personality traits" or "patterns of behavior"? Strategies in this sense may be regraded as forms of programmed behavior that are designed to serve biological goals. Although the term implies a conscious, rational plan, it is not in that sense here but, rather, as it is employed by ethologists--to denote highly patterned stereotyped behaviors that promote individual survival and reproduction. These patterns of behavior may be viewed as having an ultimate goal of survival and reproduction: "reproductive efficacy" or "inclusive fitness." These evolutionary strategies were described 200 years ago by Erasmus Darwin, grandfather of Charles Darwin, as expressions of hunger, lust, and security.

"Although animals are not aware of the ultimate goal of there biological strategies, they are conscious of subjective states that reflect their mode of operation: hunger, fear, or sexual arousal, and the rewards and punishments for their fulfillment or nonfulfillment (namely, pleasure or pain). We are prompted to eat in order to relieve the pangs of hunger but also to obtain satisfaction. We seek sexual relations in order to reduce sexual tension as well as to gain gratification. We "bond" with other people to relieve loneliness but also to achieve the pleasure of camaraderie and intimacy. In sum, when we experience internal pressure to satisfy certain short-range wishes, such as obtaining pleasure and relieving tension, we may, to some degree at least, be fulfilling long-range evolutionary goals.

"In humans, the term "strategy" can be analogously applied to forms of behavior that may be either adaptive or maladaptive, depending on the circumstances. Egocentricity, competitiveness, exhibitionism, and avoidance of unpleasantness may all be adaptive in certain situations but grossly maladaptive in others. Because we can observe only the overt behavior of other people, the question arises as to how our conscious internal states (thoughts, feelings, and wishes) are related to the strategies. If we examine the cognitive and affective patterns, we see a specific relationship between certain beliefs and attitudes on the one hand and behavior on the other."

Evolutionary psychology and behavior genetics attempt to give scientific explanations for these strategies.

Beck, Aaron T. and Freeman, Arthur M. and Associates (2004). Cognitive Therapy of Personality Disorders, 2nd ed. New York : Guilford Press.

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