Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Combining Behavioral Endocrinology and Experimental Economics: Testosterone and Social Decision Making
Published on: March 2, 2011
Endogenous plasma testosterone levels and commission errors in women: A preliminary report
J M Bjork1, F G Moeller, D M Dougherty
1Neurobehavioral Research Laboratory and Clinic, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas-Houston Medical School, 1300 Moursund, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Abstract:
A correlation between elevated testosterone and aggressive behavior has been demonstrated in animals and to a lesser degree in humans, primarily in the context of dominance. Some aggression, namely non-premeditated aggression, is characterized by impaired impulse control. Real-world aggressive histories and self-reported impulsivity have correlated with commission errors (failures to withhold responses to nontarget stimuli) in versions of the continuous performance test (CPT). To begin exploring whether testosterone may play a role in aggression due more to a direct relationship with impaired impulse control, we related plasma total testosterone concentrations of 27 psychiatrically healthy women to commission errors in two variants of the CPT - with and without interstimulus distracters. Controlling for age and IQ, testosterone did not relate to rates of correct detections in either task, but correlated positively with commission errors in the distracter CPT variant. In light of the fact previous studies find commission errors on the CPT are associated with impulsivity, the results of this study support a positive relationship between testosterone and impulsivity.
Related Concept Videos
Hormonal Regulation
Hormonal Regulation
Oogenesis
Testosterone: Functions and Regulation

