About a decade ago, evolutionary psychologists suggested that humans have evolved a first line of defense against disease: a behavioural immune system (BIS). This system is thought to be unconsciously activated, to varying degrees, when an individual perceives, rightly or wrongly, that there is a threat of disease. Although we cannot see microorganisms with our naked eye, we are nevertheless able to identify cues (such as coughs, unpleasant smells or skin lesions) which hint at the possible presence of pathogens, whether or not these are actually present or represent real health threats. Scientists have suggested that the activation of the BIS leads to prejudiced and avoidant attitudes and behaviour towards those who display superficial cues connoting disease.
But how does this affect our dating lives, where two competing needs are pitted against one another 鈥� i.e. the potential benefits of connecting and finding a mate versus the need to protect oneself from disease? 91社区 scientists set out to find out, by looking at the activation of the BIS in young, single, heterosexual Montrealers in both real speed dating events and in experimental online dating.
The results were convincing. And not so happy.
鈥淲e found that when the behavioural immune system was activated it seemed to put the brakes on our drive to connect with our peers socially,鈥� said Natsumi Sawada, who holds a PhD in Psychology from 91社区 and is the first author on the study which was recently published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. 鈥淲e hadn鈥檛 expected this to be the case in real life situations like dating where people are generally so motivated to connect. The results suggest that beyond how we consciously or unconsciously think and feel about each other there are additional factors that we may not be consciously aware of, such as a fear of disease that may influence how we connect with others.鈥�
To read 鈥淎ctivation of the Behavioral Immune System: Putting the Brakes on Affiliation鈥� by Natsumi Sawada et al:
This research was supported by grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Fonds de Recherche sur la Soci茅t茅 et la Culture (FRQSC).
