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Combining Behavioral Endocrinology and Experimental Economics: Testosterone and Social Decision Making
Published on: March 2, 2011
Increased testosterone-to-cortisol ratio in psychopathy
Andrea L Glenn1, Adrian Raine, Robert A Schug
1Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. aglenn@sas.upenn.edu
Journal of Abnormal Psychology
|December 8, 2010
Summary
Psychopathy scores correlate with a higher ratio of testosterone to cortisol responsivity. This suggests interconnected hormone systems, not individual hormones, may predispose individuals to psychopathy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Psychology
- Forensic Science
Background:
- Limited research exists on hormonal influences in psychopathy, with inconsistent findings.
- Interconnectedness of hormone systems suggests simultaneous examination is crucial for understanding psychopathy's biological underpinnings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between psychopathy and the hormones cortisol and testosterone.
- To explore how these hormone systems interact in predisposing individuals to psychopathy.
Main Methods:
- Assessed psychopathy scores in 178 adult community participants.
- Measured baseline hormone levels of cortisol and testosterone.
- Recorded cortisol responsivity following a laboratory stressor.
Main Results:
- Psychopathy scores were significantly associated with an elevated ratio of baseline testosterone to cortisol responsivity.
- No significant associations were found between psychopathy and independent measures of baseline cortisol or testosterone.
- Neither hormone independently predicted psychopathy scores.
Conclusions:
- The interplay between testosterone and cortisol responsivity, rather than individual hormone levels, may be a key factor in psychopathy.
- Findings highlight the importance of examining interconnected endocrine systems to elucidate the biological basis of psychopathy.
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