Citation

Zilioli S, Bird BM. Front. Neuroendocrinol. 2017; 47: 1-18.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada. Electronic address: brian.bird33@gmail.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.06.002

PMID

28676436

Abstract

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.

Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Language: en

Keywords

Aggression; Competition; Evolution; Hormones; Life History; Mating; Parenting; Testosterone Reactivity