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What is essential for life and life history research?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 November 2025

Huijing Lu ,
Zhou Jin ,
Anting Yang ,
Nan Zhu  and
Lei Chang Open the ORCID record for Lei Chang [Opens in a new window]
Huijing Lu
Affiliation:
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China huijing.lu@polyu.edu.hk https://www.polyu.edu.hk/apss/
Zhou Jin
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Macau, Macau, China yc47325@um.edu.mo calyang@hotmail.com darrenzhu@um.edu.mo chang@um.edu.mo https://psyc.fss.um.edu.mo/
Anting Yang
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Macau, Macau, China yc47325@um.edu.mo calyang@hotmail.com darrenzhu@um.edu.mo chang@um.edu.mo https://psyc.fss.um.edu.mo/
Nan Zhu
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Macau, Macau, China yc47325@um.edu.mo calyang@hotmail.com darrenzhu@um.edu.mo chang@um.edu.mo https://psyc.fss.um.edu.mo/
Lei Chang*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Macau, Macau, China yc47325@um.edu.mo calyang@hotmail.com darrenzhu@um.edu.mo chang@um.edu.mo https://psyc.fss.um.edu.mo/
*
*Corresponding author.
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Abstract

The featured article introduces a much-needed theoretical framework for developing a dual-process model of life history calibration. This model accounts for the counterbalancing effects of individual energetic stresses and extrinsic mortality threats of the environment. This framework also reinstates resource availability – a key determinant of energetic conditions – into life history research, resolving its previous exclusion due to similar countervailing influences relative to extrinsic mortality threats.

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Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 48 , 2025 , e114
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press

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References

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