How does Rob Kurzban explain depression in evolutionary terms?

Rob Kurzban, who said he has experienced depression himself, outlined Ed Hagen's bargaining view. A depressed person withdraws from shared work, including childcare in postpartum depression, and may signal suicidal intent. Because losing that person would be a heavy cost to those around them, the signal can push others to invest more support. Kurzban sees the low energy as part of an honest signal of withdrawal, and added that stepping back may also give time to rethink life choices.

• Kurzban noted that postpartum depression comes exactly when a new mother suddenly needs far more help.
• John Tooby told Kurzban that graduate students get constant low-status signals, which may explain their gloom.

Source: our own transcription of the episode. The full conversation is on Modern Wisdom (2026-10-29). Read the whole episode summary →

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