Religiosität kann eine adaptive Rolle in der menschlichen Evolution dienen, indem sie monogame Paarungsstrategien unterstützt. Menschen, die auf pathogenbezogene Ekel sensibler sind, sind auch eher religiös, und diese Verbindung wird teilweise durch die Präferenz für eingeschränktere soziosexuelle Einstellungen erklärt.

I’ve linked to the news release in the post above. In this comment, for those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2026-41811-001

From the linked article:

Religiosity may function as a mating strategy shaped by disease avoidance psychology

A recent study suggests that **religiosity may serve an adaptive role in human evolution by supporting monogamous mating strategies. The researchers found that people who are more sensitive to pathogen-related disgust also tend to be more religious, and this connection is partly explained by a preference for more restricted sociosexual attitudes**. In contrast, the study found no support for other theories that tie religiosity to adherence to tradition or avoidance of outgroups.

The findings, published in Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences, contribute to a growing body of research suggesting that religious behaviors and beliefs may serve deeper evolutionary functions, particularly in helping individuals avoid the costs associated with mating in a pathogen-rich environment.

Religiosity is one of the most widespread and persistent features of human culture, but from a strictly evolutionary standpoint, it presents something of a puzzle. Participating in religious rituals, adhering to religious norms, and avoiding counter-normative behaviors often entail significant opportunity costs. And yet, religiosity is a near-universal phenomenon across human societies. This raises a key question: Why would such a costly behavior persist throughout human evolution?

One line of research suggests that religiosity might be an adaptive response to the threat of infectious disease. The behavioral immune system—a set of psychological mechanisms evolved to detect and avoid pathogens—might influence how religious someone becomes. Since religious norms often promote cleanliness, discourage promiscuity, and sometimes limit contact with outsiders, they might serve to reduce exposure to disease.

Seems like force fitting a view, because culturally up until very recently it was a regular thing to have multiple sexual partners even if it’s sinful. Kings had mistresses and harems, common men when to the brothels, wives “took care” of neighbors or male clan members.