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Published on: August 25, 2014
Postnatal testosterone levels and temperament in early infancy.
Gerianne M Alexander1, Janet Saenz
1Department of Psychology, Texas A & M University, TAMU 4235, College Station, TX 77845, USA. galexander@tamu.edu
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|December 17, 2010
Summary
Postnatal testosterone levels in male infants are linked to increased negative affectivity, particularly distress to limitations. This supports the postnatal hormone hypothesis regarding infant behavior and emotional regulation development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Endocrinology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
Background:
- The postnatal hormone hypothesis suggests early infant hormone activation influences later gender phenotypes.
- Previous research indicates potential links between behavior and postnatal testosterone in male infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To further investigate the relationship between postnatal hormones and infant behavior.
- To test the postnatal hormone hypothesis by examining salivary testosterone and temperament.
Main Methods:
- Measured digit ratios and salivary testosterone in 76 male and female infants (3-4 months old).
- Parents completed the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised to assess infant temperament.
- Analyzed sex differences and correlations between testosterone levels and behavioral measures.
Main Results:
- No significant sex differences in salivary testosterone; levels unrelated to behavior in female infants.
- In male infants, higher salivary testosterone predicted greater Negative Affectivity.
- Testosterone levels specifically predicted Distress to Limitations scores, not Fear, Sadness, or Reactivity.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the postnatal hormone hypothesis, indicating a sex-specific association between postnatal testosterone and infant behavior.
- Postnatal testosterone may influence the development of emotional regulation, specifically distress tolerance, in male infants.
- Results align with animal research on androgen sensitivity and typical male development.
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