Dr. Trevathan is a biological anthropologist whose research focuses on the evolutionary and biocultural factors underlying human reproduction including childbirth, maternal behavior, sexuality, and menopause. Her primary publications include works on the evolution of childbirth and evolutionary medicine.
Current Research
Dr. Trevathan is a biological anthropologist whose research concerns aspects of human reproduction including childbirth, maternal behavior, sexuality, menopause and evolutionary medicine. She is currently conducting research on the menopause transition in a sample of approximately 50 North American women who have been keeping daily records of selected activities (e.g., exercise, sexual activity, illness, mood, and "symptoms" commonly associated with the menopause transition) for as many as 5 years. This is a rich database that promises to provide important insights into women's experiences at this time in the life course.
At present, Dr. Trevathan is working with NMSU psychology faculty member Dr. Laura Thompson on NIH-funded research concerning mother-infant interaction, cortisol levels, and cognitive development.
Recent Publications
Trevathan, W. R., E. O. Smith, J. J. McKenna (Eds.) (2008). Evolutionary Medicine and Health: New Perspectives. New York : Oxford University Press.
Thompson, Laura A. and Wenda R. Trevathan (2008) Cortisol Reactivity, Maternal Sensitivity, and Learning in Three-Month-Old Infants. Infant Behavior and Development.
Rosenberg, K. R. and W. R. Trevathan (2007) An anthropological perspective on the evolutionary context of preeclampsia in humans. Journal of Reproductive Immunology.
Trevathan, W. R. (2007) Evolutionary Medicine. Annual Review of Anthropology 36:139-154.
Burleson, Mary H., Wenda R. Trevathan, and Michael Todd (2007) In the mood for love, or vice versa: understanding the relations among physical affection, sexual activity, mood and stress in daily life. Archives of Sexual Behavior 36(3):357-368.