Exploratory Analysis of the Links among Life History, Reproductive Strategy, Autism-Spectrum Quotient, and Quality of Life

The present study explores the links among life history, reproductive strategy, autism-spectrum quotient, and quality of life. Our 235 participants (167 women and 68 men, aged 19 - 54) filled four instruments: Life History Survey (LHSurv), MINI-K, Autism-spectrum Quotient (AQ), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). A cluster analysis was carried out in which the respondents’ answers to particular LHSurv items were used as variables in the clustering process. The next step in the analysis was to compare the delineated clusters with regard to three variables which were not included in cluster formation: the reproductive strategy (general Mini-K score), intensity of autistic traits (total AQ score) and life satisfaction level (general SWLS score). It was found that clusters formed on the basis of LHSurv results differ also in MINI-K, AQ and SWLS scores. The results show a link between such variables as reproductive strategy, autistic traits and quality of life. It seems that individuals who are raised with more financial and emotional support (including physical touch, from both parents and grandparents) end up with a slower life-history strategy, and more satisfied with their lives. These links are also reflected by individual life history, as revealed by the LHSurv instrument.