title: Mechanisms by which parasites influence cultures, and why they matter.
abstract: At least four conceptually distinct mechanisms may mediate relations between parasite-stress and cultural outcomes: genetic evolution, developmental plasticity, neurocognitive flexibility, and cultural transmission. These mechanisms may operate independently or in conjunction with one another. Rigorous research on specific mediating mechanisms is required to more completely articulate implications of parasite stress on human psychology and human culture.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada. schaller@psych.ubc.ca
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schaller
authors.forename: Damian R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Murray
mesh_terms: D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000523:psychology*; D005195:Family Relations; D006801:Humans; D010272:Parasitic Diseases / Q000523:psychology*; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012919:Social Behavior; D013315:Stress, Psychological