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Combining Behavioral Endocrinology and Experimental Economics: Testosterone and Social Decision Making
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Combining Behavioral Endocrinology and Experimental Economics: Testosterone and Social Decision Making

Published on: March 2, 2011

Testosterone during pregnancy and gender role behavior of preschool children: a longitudinal, population study

Melissa Hines1, Susan Golombok, John Rust

  • 1Department of Psychology, City University, London, UK. m.hines@city.ac.uk

Child Development
|December 19, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal testosterone (T) levels may influence gender-typical play in preschool girls. This study found T, not SHBG, correlated with gender role behavior in girls, but not boys, suggesting a prenatal hormonal influence on early gender development.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Endocrinology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Prenatal hormone exposure is hypothesized to influence sex-typed behaviors.
  • Understanding early gender development is crucial for developmental research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between prenatal sex hormone levels and gender role behavior in preschool children.
  • To examine the specific roles of testosterone (T) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in shaping gendered behaviors.

Main Methods:

  • Measured maternal prenatal testosterone (T) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels.
  • Assessed gender role behavior in 3.5-year-old offspring using the Pre-School Activities Inventory.
  • Analyzed correlations between hormone levels and gender role behavior in boys and girls.

Main Results:

  • Prenatal testosterone (T) levels showed a linear relationship with gender role behavior in preschool girls.
  • Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels did not correlate with gender role behavior in either sex.
  • No significant relationship was found between prenatal hormone levels and gender role behavior in preschool boys.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal testosterone variability may contribute to individual differences in gender role behavior among preschool girls.
  • Findings suggest a potential hormonal influence on early gender-typed behaviors, particularly in females.
  • Further research is needed to explore other contributing factors to gender role development.

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