Harshness and unpredictability during childhood: an approach from life-history theory to understanding risk behaviors.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Previous studies have investigated the relationship between childhood experiences of harshness and unpredictability and risky adult behaviors from a life-history theory perspective. However, findings have been inconsistent, suggesting that the relationship between early environments and current behavior is complex and may be influenced by moderating variables. This study examined whether childhood harshness (resource scarcity) and unpredictability (proximal environmental instability) were positively related to risk propensity, considering reproductive strategy-related trade-offs (i.e., the age of first sexual intercourse and the age of menarche) and current environmental factors (i.e., being in a committed relationship, perceived family support, and poverty rate of the

SUBMITTER: Guzman-Lavin EJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12571906 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature