Chapter 1 – EMOTIONS AND PSYCHOTHERAPY: A PSYCHOEVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE

ABSTRACT

After examining the six basic postulates of the author's psychoevolutionary theory of emotion, certain key ideas of evolutionary biology are described. Of special relevance to issues of psychotherapy are the ideas of evolutionary compromises and deception. The hypothesis is proposed that emotional behavior is the proximate basis for the ultimate outcome of increased inclusive fitness. In describing specific clinical implications of the theory, the concept of four types of existential issues is introduced. These issues are hierarchy, territoriality, identity, and temporality. This classification leads to a list of conflict areas that include many of the problems individuals describe when seeking psychotherapy. The classification also implies the existence of five fundamental strategies that guide the process of psychotherapy. These are assessment, historical reconstruction, functional analysis, goal setting, and skill acquisition. A model of therapeutic communication is proposed and is followed by a description of nine general tactics of psychotherapy. It is concluded that psychotherapy is a process of self-evaluation, goal setting, problem solving, reinterpretation, and skill acquisition, a view that is consistent with a broad evolutionary perspective on human life.