Highlights
· Extensive review of T changes (ΔT) in response to evolutionarily salient contexts.
· Direction of ΔT (+ or -) depends on context relevance to mating or parenting.
· ΔT predicts adaptive behavior (e.g., aggression, nurturant parenting).
· Life history theory proposed as theoretical framework encapsulating findings.
· Model for ΔT → behavior patterns, and predictions for future work, are provided.
Rapid testosterone fluctuations in response to social stimuli are observed across a wide range of species, and the highly conserved nature of these fluctuations suggests an adaptive function.
This paper reviews the current literature on testosterone reactivity, primarily in human males, and illustrates how life-history theory provides an adequate theoretical framework to interpret findings.
The review is structured around supporting evidence suggesting that situations implicated in mating effort either directly (e.g., interactions with a mate) or indirectly (e.g., intrasexual competition) are generally associated with a brief elevation of testosterone, while situations implicated in parenting effort (e.g., nurturant interactions with offspring) are generally associated with a decline in testosterone.
Further, we discuss how these fluctuations in testosterone can serve to modulate future behaviors in these same domains, in addition to identified moderators of effects.
A conceptual model provides links between supported findings, and hypothesized pathways requiring future testing.
Zilioli S, Bird BM. Functional Significance of Men’s Testosterone Reactivity to Social Stimuli. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology. Elsevier: Article Locator
· Extensive review of T changes (ΔT) in response to evolutionarily salient contexts.
· Direction of ΔT (+ or -) depends on context relevance to mating or parenting.
· ΔT predicts adaptive behavior (e.g., aggression, nurturant parenting).
· Life history theory proposed as theoretical framework encapsulating findings.
· Model for ΔT → behavior patterns, and predictions for future work, are provided.
Rapid testosterone fluctuations in response to social stimuli are observed across a wide range of species, and the highly conserved nature of these fluctuations suggests an adaptive function.
This paper reviews the current literature on testosterone reactivity, primarily in human males, and illustrates how life-history theory provides an adequate theoretical framework to interpret findings.
The review is structured around supporting evidence suggesting that situations implicated in mating effort either directly (e.g., interactions with a mate) or indirectly (e.g., intrasexual competition) are generally associated with a brief elevation of testosterone, while situations implicated in parenting effort (e.g., nurturant interactions with offspring) are generally associated with a decline in testosterone.
Further, we discuss how these fluctuations in testosterone can serve to modulate future behaviors in these same domains, in addition to identified moderators of effects.
A conceptual model provides links between supported findings, and hypothesized pathways requiring future testing.
Zilioli S, Bird BM. Functional Significance of Men’s Testosterone Reactivity to Social Stimuli. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology. Elsevier: Article Locator
