The adaptive role of maladaptive neurosis.

A hypothesis is proposed which postulates that repeated failure in social competition may lead to a "neurotic" maladaptive vicious cycle. It is proposed that by magnifying genetically transmitted differences in fitness, this mechanism emphasizes the superiority of the better endowed, both in mate choice and in fitness of offspring. Species displaying high plasticity and flexibility, the concomitants of high intellectual ability, may be more susceptible to neurosis, hence may be more likely to be influenced by the vicious cycle mechanism operating at the ontogenetic level. Such species would display an accelerated rate of adaptation and intelligence. Some of the implications of the hypothesis for sexual selection, change in status, and preventive mental health are discussed.