What is the primary aim of evolutionary psychology?

The primary aim of evolutionary psychology is to explain mental and psychological traits as adaptations. This branch of psychology posits that many behaviors, thoughts, and emotions have evolved over time as a means for humans to survive and reproduce in their environments. By viewing psychological traits through the lens of evolution, it becomes possible to understand how certain behaviors may have provided advantages in ancestral environments, enhancing chances for survival and reproductive success.

For example, evolutionary psychology seeks to elucidate why certain fears, such as fear of snakes or heights, are common across cultures, theorizing that such fears would have evolved as protective mechanisms against potential threats. This perspective helps to connect biological imperatives with behavioral outcomes, thereby providing insight into why humans behave the way they do from an evolutionary perspective.