What is the Big Deal? T. gondii Changes Human Behaviors!
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Completed:
Eyes Wide Shut: An Enigma
In researching for my completed book, “Eyes Wide Shut: An Enigma,” I have discovered disturbing facts about T. gondii. In prior HubPages hubs, I have discussed the basics about Toxoplasmosis Gondii, also known as: T. gondii.
What is the Big Deal?
T. gondii changes our behaviors. It also changes our cultures, says Kevin Lafferty, a U.S. Geological Survey scientist at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Also, Researchers in the Czech Republic have suggested T. gondii might have subtle but long-term effects on its human hosts.
Lafferty has a theory that the personality profiles resulting from T. gondii, with increased feminine qualities in women and more masculine ones in men, may explain “greater differentiation of sex roles” in countries with rigid gender norms. Men display more masculine qualities and women display more feminine traits. The relationship between toxoplasmosis and the common personality profiles of a population may explain some aspects of the “personality” of a culture, in particular gender roles and expectations.
What Behaviors Do Infected Women Have?
Per Lafferty, the countries examined also kept records of the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in women of childbearing age. Countries with high prevalence of T. gondii infection also had higher average neuroticism scores. Dr. E. Fuller Torrey (Associate Director for Laboratory Research at the Stanley Medical Research Institute) noticed links between Toxoplasma and schizophrenia. Pregnant women with high levels of antibodies to Toxoplasma are more likely to give birth to children who will develop schizophrenia.
An example, women when infected with T. gondii create a strong desire in infected men to be around them. Brazil and France have high infection rates of 70 – 90%. Both countries’ women are known for their being attractive to men.
Flegr et al study in 2000, indicated infected women were promiscuous, warm hearted, outgoing, easygoing and high will-power. In addition, infected women more likely to respect social rules, be amicable, attentive, and loyal to others than women who are uninfected. These behavior changes are long term, beginning from the initial infection to the latent stages of T. gondii infection.
What behaviors Do Infected Men Have?
T. gondii Infected men are more introspective, suspicious and have low self-esteem. T. gondii infected men appeared to suffer from the “alley cat” effect: becoming less well-groomed undesirable loners who were more willing to fight. They were more likely to be suspicious and jealous. “They tended to dislike following rules,” Flegr said.
Related Articles:
http://dallas93444.hubpages.com/hub/What-Does-Cats-have-To-Do-With-It#comment-6605475
http://dallas93444.hubpages.com/hub/T-Gondio-Most-of-Us-Have-It
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Enlydia Listener,
Thanks!
The fun begins. Best Seller Books are the best marketed... Here goes..... I have ordered and expect within two weeks to have a "real book" in my hands..!10/30/2011
There is nothing like the feel of it...you will enjoy holding a copy...and realize that it was a job well done.
Enlydia Listener,
I am looking forward to the process. I note you have studied reflexology. How does that integrate into your life? Are there more similiarities than differences compared to accupuncture?
I know reflexology, or zone therapy, is an alternative medicine that involves applying pressure to the feet, hands, or ears with specific thumb, and fingers...
As you know, acupuncture is an alternative medicine that treats patients by insertion and manipulation of needles in the body.
There seems to be a common denominator...?
I see you know your stuff...I am familiar with the concept of acupuncture, though never had it done. It sounds very feasible, based on the fact that accupuncture releases neuro-peptides which bind to the opiate receptors (which reduces pain)...Not sure if reflexology works the same way, but I think it does.
Enlydia Listener,
Interesting. I will research. Thanks again!
Interesting! I wonder how much this has to do with my sister's bad experience as a guidance counselor. She said it was like a bad episode of "Route 66" . . . "there must be something in the water."
WD Curry 111,
The T. gondii infection rate in the population varied depending of the temperatures, the customs, the prevalence of cats and etc...
Enlydia Listener Level 6 Commenter 7 months ago
Congrats on the finished product...I like the cover.