Risky Behavior as an Adaptive Strategy of Men, Their Morphophysiological Profiles and Relationship with Reproductive Success in Modern Society

Abstract

Risky behavior has a complex and complicated nature. The desire and willingness to take risks in some areas of decision-making can be associated with the severity of certain psychological and behavioral traits, as well as with the presence of certain morphophysiological features. The main goal of this study is to investigate the aspects of modern adaptive mechanisms responsible for triggering the willingness of men to accept physical (associated with the probability of injury or death) risks of various kinds. We have analyzed the hormonal, morphological, and psychological profiles of risk-prone men in three model samples (racers, alpinists, special forces) that differ in the type of physically risky activity (n=157). Participants completed questionnaires on the propensity for searching sensations (SSS-V), aggressive behavior (BPAQ), and Sociosexual Orientation Inventory (SOI-R). Testosterone and cortisol levels were tested in all three samples. Statistical analysis of the data has demonstrated a number of significant differences in the behavioral and hormonal characteristics of the representatives of the three samples; at the same time, no morphological differences were found between the groups. The data further pointed to the links between the risk taking strategies and reproductive success in men.