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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
11:51
Combining Behavioral Endocrinology and Experimental Economics: Testosterone and Social Decision Making
Published on: March 2, 2011
Testosterone administration decreases generosity in the ultimatum game
Paul J Zak1, Robert Kurzban, Sheila Ahmadi
1Center for Neuroeconomics Studies, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, California, USA. paul@pauljzak.com
Plos One
|December 18, 2009
Summary
Elevated testosterone levels in men significantly reduce generosity towards strangers. This hormone influences decisions, making men less likely to share resources and more prone to punitive behavior, even after accounting for altruism.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Economics
- Psychology
Background:
- Understanding the biological underpinnings of human social behavior is crucial.
- Hormonal influences, particularly testosterone, are implicated in aggression and dominance, but their role in prosociality is less clear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal effect of testosterone on prosocial behavior in men.
- To determine if experimentally increased testosterone levels alter financial generosity and punitive tendencies.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, within-subjects design was employed with 25 male participants.
- Participants received testosterone or a placebo, with testosterone levels confirmed via blood draws.
- The Ultimatum Game was used to assess financial decision-making and generosity.
Main Results:
- Men exhibited a 27% decrease in generosity towards strangers when testosterone levels were artificially raised compared to placebo.
- This effect was dose-dependent, correlating with total, free, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels.
- Men with higher DHT levels were significantly less generous; elevated testosterone also increased punitive behavior.
Conclusions:
- Experimentally elevated testosterone causally reduces prosocial behavior in men.
- Testosterone appears to promote antisocial financial decision-making and punitive actions.
- These findings contribute to understanding the neurobiological basis of human selfishness and cooperation.
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