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Updated: Apr 21, 2026
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Combining Behavioral Endocrinology and Experimental Economics: Testosterone and Social Decision Making
Published on: March 2, 2011
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Sex differences in the association between testosterone and violent behaviors
Shervin Assari1, Cleopatra H Caldwell1, Marc A Zimmerman2
1Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Michigan, United States ; Center for Research on Ethnicity, Culture and Health, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Michigan, United States.
Trauma Monthly
|October 23, 2014
Summary
Testosterone levels correlate with violent behavior in young adult females, but not males, in a community sample. This study highlights sex differences in biological factors influencing aggression.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Criminology
Background:
- Previous research on testosterone and violent behavior yielded inconsistent results.
- Most studies focused on clinical samples of severely violent males.
- Limited research explored sex differences in community samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex differences in the association between testosterone and violent behaviors.
- To examine this relationship in a community sample of young adults in the United States.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of an inner-city population from adolescence to adulthood.
- Measured testosterone levels and violent behaviors in 257 young adults (average age 22).
- Utilized regression analysis to assess associations in both male and female samples.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was found between testosterone levels and violent behaviors in females.
- No significant association between testosterone and violent behaviors was observed in males.
- The association in females remained significant after controlling for socioeconomic status, age, education, and race.
Conclusions:
- Findings offer insights into biological mechanisms underlying violent behavior in young adult females.
- The study enhances understanding of sex differences in community-based violent behavior correlates.
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