Behavioral and Brain Sciences

Table of Contents - April 2012 - Volume 35, Issue 02  

Open Peer Commentary

Immigration, parasitic infection, and United States religiosity

Jaimie N. Walla1 and Todd K. Shackelforda1

a1 Department of Psychology, Oakland University, Pryale Hall, Rochester, MI 48309. jnwall@oakland.edu shackelf@oakland.edu http://www.ToddKShackelford.com

Abstract

Fincher & Thornhill (F&T) present a powerful case for the relationship between parasite-stress and religiosity. We argue, however, that the United States may be more religious than can be accounted for by parasite-stress. This greater religiosity might be attributable to greater sensitivity to immigration, which may hyperactivate evolved mechanisms that motivate avoidance of potential carriers of novel parasites.

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