About
David M. Buss is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, within the College of Liberal Arts. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley (1981). Buss’s research focuses on evolutionary psychology, particularly human mating strategies, sexual conflict, and the evolutionary roots of jealousy, homicide, and status-seeking behaviors. His work integrates cross-cultural studies and experimental methodologies to explore how evolutionary principles shape human behavior.
Education:
- Ph.D. in Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, 1981
- Prior roles include Assistant Professorships at Harvard University (1981–1985) and the University of Michigan (1985–1996).
Research Interests:
- Evolutionary foundations of mating strategies, including sexual conflict and jealousy.
- Sexual violence, homicide, and anti-homicide defenses.
- Evolution of status, reputation, and social prestige.
- Psychological mechanisms behind incel behavior and societal perceptions of involuntary celibacy.
- Development of psychometric tools like the Rape Excusing Attitudes and Language Scale.
Recent Articles Trends: Focus on testing evolutionary hypotheses, exploring incel psychology, and validating cross-cultural patterns in mating preferences and emotional responses. His work often emphasizes the universality of evolved mechanisms while acknowledging cultural variation.
Awards:
- 2016: Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Association for Psychological Science.
- Recipient of multiple accolades for his books, including the 7th edition of Evolutionary Psychology: The New Science of the Mind (2024).
- Awards for his students, including the APA Division 51 Student of the Year (William Costello) and Janet T. Spence Teaching Award (Rebecka Hahnel-Peeters).
Advising & Labs: Directs the Buss Lab at UT Austin, mentoring over 50 students. Key projects include studies on incel behavior, mate preference integration, and the evolution of sexual morality. Collaborations span global networks, with co-authors from over 25 countries.
Labs/Teams: The Buss Lab is a hub for evolutionary psychology research, addressing topics like sexual conflict, status signaling, and the intersection of evolutionary principles with modern societal challenges.
