Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development

Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development

Social-emotional experiences and cultural influences play significant roles in shaping gender development. During middle childhood, from ages 6 to 11, peer groups become dominant in reinforcing gender norms. Children in this age group often align with same-gender peer groups, which actively encourage behaviors that conform to traditional gender roles. For instance, boys may be discouraged from engaging in activities perceived as feminine, reinforcing culturally dictated norms about masculinity...

The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness

The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness

The Y chromosome is a sex chromosome found in several vertebrates and mammals, including humans. In addition to 22 pairs of autosomes, the human males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. In these organisms, the presence or absence of the Y chromosome determines the development of male traits.
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size. Today,...

Testosterone: Functions and Regulation

Testosterone: Functions and Regulation

The intricate hormonal interplay essential for male reproductive health begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH targets the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce and release testosterone. In concert with testosterone, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to facilitate the release of...

Signs of Puberty

Signs of Puberty

Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...

Background and Environment Affect Phenotype

Background and Environment Affect Phenotype

Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...

Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences

Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences

Social behavior is a complex phenomenon that arises from the interaction between biological predispositions and environmental influences. This intricate interplay shapes how individuals think, feel, and act in various social contexts. Understanding these mechanisms requires insights from psychology, neuroscience, genetics, and evolutionary theory.Environmental Influences on Social BehaviorEnvironmental factors, including temperature, odors, and visual stimuli, play a crucial role in shaping...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Glycocalyx biomarkers as early predictors of endotheliopathy in pediatric and young adult hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients.

Frontiers in oncology·2026

Same author

Reduced cortical thickness in individuals with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

Scientific reports·2026

Same author

Early androgens and development of social personality traits: Evidence from classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Hormones and behavior·2026

Same author

Enduring prenatal androgen effects on the female brain.

Brain communications·2025

Same author

Pediatric Critical Hematology Oncology Referral Pathway for Extracorporeal Life Support: Standardized Evaluation and Transfer Can Improve Survival.

ASAIO journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992)·2025

Same author

A 10-Year Longitudinal Relationship Between Preschool Sex-Typical Play Behavior at Age 3.5 Years and Mental Rotation Performance in Adolescence at Age 13 Years.

Archives of sexual behavior·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

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

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

Published on: March 2, 2011

Prenatal testosterone and gender-related behaviour.

Melissa Hines¹

¹Department of Psychology, City University, Northampton Square, London EC1V 0HB, UK.

European Journal of Endocrinology

|November 1, 2006

Summary

Testosterone significantly impacts mammalian brain development and behavior, influencing sex-typed characteristics. Its effects vary based on exposure levels and specific traits, affecting play behavior more than gender identity.

Area of Science:

Neuroendocrinology
Developmental Psychology
Behavioral Neuroscience

Background:

Testosterone is crucial for mammalian brain development, affecting neural pathways and neurochemistry.
Prenatal testosterone exposure can lead to permanent behavioral changes, particularly in individuals with hormonal abnormalities.

Purpose of the Study:

To examine the role of testosterone in shaping sex-typed behaviors during development.
To understand how testosterone influences characteristics like play behavior, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
To investigate testosterone's influence within the normal range and its varying impact on different sex-typed traits.

Main Methods:

Review of studies on testosterone's effects on brain development and behavior.
Analysis of data from individuals with prenatal hormone abnormalities (e.g., congenital adrenal hyperplasia).

More Related Videos

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies

Published on: January 10, 2025

The Resident-intruder Paradigm: A Standardized Test for Aggression, Violence and Social Stress

The Resident-intruder Paradigm: A Standardized Test for Aggression, Violence and Social Stress

Published on: July 4, 2013

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 19, 2026

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

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

Published on: March 2, 2011

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies

Establishment of Rat Models Mimicking Gender-affirming Hormone Therapies

Published on: January 10, 2025

The Resident-intruder Paradigm: A Standardized Test for Aggression, Violence and Social Stress

The Resident-intruder Paradigm: A Standardized Test for Aggression, Violence and Social Stress

Published on: July 4, 2013

Examination of evidence for testosterone's influence within typical hormonal ranges.

Main Results:

Testosterone exposure during critical periods influences cell death, survival, neural connectivity, and neurochemistry.
Prenatal testosterone significantly affects sex-typical play behavior and toy preferences.
Influences on core gender identity and sexual orientation are less pronounced than on play behavior.
Little to no prenatal testosterone influence observed on mental rotation ability, despite marked sex differences in this skill.

Conclusions:

Testosterone plays a significant role in normative gender development and influences various sex-typed characteristics to differing degrees.
Findings have implications for understanding disorders of sex development and managing clinical cases.
The impact of testosterone varies across different behavioral and identity traits, with play behavior showing stronger correlations than gender identity or sexual orientation.