Citation

Carré JM, Putnam SK. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2010; 35(3): 475-479.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Ave., St Catharines, Ontario, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.psyneuen.2009.09.011

PMID

19804944

Abstract

Previous research indicates that testosterone concentrations are highly responsive to human competitive interactions and that winners have elevated testosterone concentrations relative to losers. Also, there is some evidence that simply observing others compete can have a similar effect on the endocrine system. Here, in two studies, we examined the extent to which elite male hockey players would demonstrate an increase in testosterone concentrations after watching themselves engaged in a previous successful competitive interaction. Results indicated that watching a previous victory produced a significant increase in testosterone concentrations (42-44% increase), whereas watching a previous defeat or a neutral video did not produce a significant change in testosterone (17% and 6%, respectively). Given that natural fluctuations in testosterone have been shown to influence future competitive and aggressive behaviours, the current studies may have important practical implications for individuals involved in competitive sports.

Language: en