evolutionary developmental psychology

Evolutionary developmental psychology explores how our mental and behavioral traits develop over time, shaped by the evolutionary pressures faced by our ancestors. It examines how biological and environmental factors influence our cognition, emotions, and social behaviors, considering that many aspects of our development are adaptations that helped humans survive and reproduce. By understanding these evolutionary roots, the field seeks to explain why we develop certain capacities at particular stages and how they have been beneficial throughout human history. Essentially, it links our developmental processes to the evolutionary history of our species.