Barry X. Kuhle
The Evolution of Jealousy (With Clips from Cheaters, Closer, and Chris Rock)
October 15, 2012
Academic Building A G008, 5:00 PM
Abstract
Abundant research suggests that between sex differences exist in the degree to which cues to sexual and emotional infidelity trigger jealousy. A common criticism of this research is that this commonly found sex difference is a consequence of the hypothetical scenario and forced-choice methodology that is commonly employed. I’ll discuss two recent papers on sex differences in the nature of jealousy-fueled interrogations and mitigations that address this criticism (Kuhle, 2011; Kuhle, Smedley, & Schmitt, 2009). These papers show that men and women differ in the ways they inquire about a partner’s infidelity and they differ in the ways they respond to inquires about their own infidelities. I’ll infuse this talk with illustrative examples from popular culture including a scene from the motion picture Closer, segments from the reality program Cheaters, and a bit from Chris Rock’s HBO special Bigger & Blacker (which is discussed in Kuhle, 2012).
Biography
Barry X. Kuhle (pronounced “Q-lee”) received his B.A. in psychology from Binghamton University before heading west to earn his Ph.D. in evolutionary psychology and individual differences from the University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on the evolved psychological mechanisms that underlie commitment and jealousy in romantic relationships. He is also interested in the evolution and development of both sexual fluidity and reproductive senescence in women. The interdisciplinary nature of his research is reflected in the diverse outlets with which he has published. In addition to psychology journals, his scholarship has appeared in journals dedicated to animal behavior, neuroscience, medicine, and menopause. He enjoys infusing popular culture into his teaching and research in the Department of Psychology at the University of Scranton. Outside of the classroom, he takes pleasure in schooling his students and colleagues on the racquetball and basketball courts. He’s also quite fond of scandalizing his friends with outrageously edgy Facebook posts.
Reading
Kuhle, B. X. (2011). Did you have sex with him? Do you love her? An in vivo test of sex differences in jealous interrogations. Personality and Individual Differences, 51, 1044-1047.
Kuhle, B. X. (2012). It’s funny because it’s true (because it evokes our evolved psychology). Review of General Psychology, 16, 177-186.
Kuhle, B. X., Smedley, K. D., & Schmitt, D. P. (2009). Sex differences in the motivation and mitigation of jealousy-induced interrogations. Personality and Individual Differences, 46, 499-502.
Presentation
Echo Center Course Portal
http://bustream.binghamton.edu:8080/ess/portal/section/6bc5017b-8f42-4a1f-8567-0d7abea30dc7
Rich Media Playback: http://bustream.binghamton.edu:8080/ess/echo/presentation/8e6f9d8b-f566-44f8-b7ab-c954f1f35f06
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