The role of neurosis in phylogenetic adaptation, with particular reference to early man
Sloman, L.
American Journal of Psychiatry 133(5): 543-547
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-953X PMID: 1267059 DOI: 10.1176/ajp.133.5.543Document Number: 430036
An hypothesis that neurosis emanates from maladaptation and tends toward further maladaptation, and that individual maladaptation could have played an adaptive role for the human species is presented. Those individuals in prehistory who could not struggle as well for survival as others would have been more likely to develop neuroses, thereby intensifying already existing genetically transmitted differences and affecting the choice of a mate and the viability of offspring. Such a dynamic would hasten human evolution by favoring the most viable individuals. The hypothesis is discussed in relation to the concept of assortative mating and other theories of the role of neurosis.