Relation between life history strategies and childhood (un)predictability perception

• Grant number: 12/22753-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2013
• End date: December 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Experimental Psychology
• Principal Investigator: Patrícia Izar Mauro
• Grantee: Cézar Donizetti Luquine Júnior
• Host Institution: Instituto de Psicologia (IP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Life History Theory suggests that investments in reproduction and survival reflect childhood environmental traits. Unpredictability is one of the fundamental factors in these investment strategies' development. During childhood, it is mostly related to family: parental transition and loss, ability to provide resources, etc. Environmental (un)predictability traits may influence delaying or accelerating these strategies. Besides unpredictability, sexual differences may also affect the investment in reproductive and somatic domains. Evolutionary psychology considers sexual differences in parental investment (high maternal investment and low paternal investment in offspring) important to the diversity of human reproductive strategies. This project aims to analyze the relationship between childhood unpredictability perception and the development of Life History strategies, such as delaying or accelerating milestones, considering sexual differences. The focus will be on strategies and milestones from the reproductive domain as first sexual intercourse and first pregnancy. Beyond the sociodemographic questionnaire will be used unpredictability instruments: EIFI and another questionnaire to measure the expectation of future development of Life History and milestones. Data gathering will occur individually in an experimental setting, with sample groups between 18 and 25, separated by sex.(AU)