Research Interests: 

• Evolutionary psychology and evolutionary theory
• Psychoneuroendocrinology effects of stress on sexual behavior, risk-taking, and impulsive behavior
• Life history theory
• Evolutionary function of the limbic system
• Human mating strategies and preferences
• Human sexuality
• Stress and decision making
• Anxiety
• Ovulation cues
• Abnormal psychology
• Effects of glucocorticoids on retrieval of emotional memories

Selected Publications: 

• Kraft V., Figueredo A.J. (2020) Local Sex Ratio. In: Shackelford T., Weekes-Shackelford V. (eds) Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science. Springer, Cham
• Kraft V., Jacobs W.J. (2019) Differential Reproductive Success. In: Shackelford T., Weekes-Shackelford V. (eds) Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science. Springer, Cham
• Kraft V. (2019) Fixed Action Patterns. In: Shackelford T., Weekes-Shackelford V. (eds) Encyclopedia of Evolutionary Psychological Science. Springer, Cham
• Kraft, V. & Howell, S.R. (May, 2017). Similarity of the Big 5 Personality Traits of Individuals to those of their Partners and Best Friends. Presented at the 29th meeting of the Association of Psychological Science. Boston, MA. 

Dissertation:

• Relations Among Perceived Environmental Conditions, Stress Responsivity, and Reproductive Health in Hispanic Women

Courses Taught: 

• PSY 340 - Introduction to Cognitive Development (2024)
• PSY 364 - Human Sexuality (2022)
• PSY 381 - Abnormal Psychology (2023)

*Year listed indicates when this individual last taught the specified course.

Awards and Recognitions:

• Graduate College Fellowship recipient (2023)

Updated: 11/13/23