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Combining Behavioral Endocrinology and Experimental Economics: Testosterone and Social Decision Making
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Competition, testosterone, and adult neurobehavioral plasticity
A B Losecaat Vermeer1, I Riečanský2, C Eisenegger1
1Neuropsychopharmacology and Biopsychology Unit, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Progress in Brain Research
|December 8, 2016
Summary
Winning competitions boosts motivation, potentially through testosterone surges. These hormone-driven effects enhance subsequent performance and highlight the role of sex steroids in adult neuroplasticity and motivation.
Area of Science:
- Neurobiology
- Endocrinology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Competition is a common measure of performance motivation.
- Winning enhances motivation for future competitions.
- Sex hormones like testosterone and estradiol may regulate competitive motivation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on hormone-driven behavioral effects.
- To highlight the role of sex steroid hormones in adult neuroplasticity.
- To examine the relationship between testosterone, effort, and competition performance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on testosterone, motivation, and performance.
- Analysis of acute and long-term behavioral effects of steroid hormones.
- Exploration of neurobiological mechanisms involving dopaminergic pathways.
Main Results:
- Testosterone surges after winning enhance subsequent motivation and performance.
- Hormone-driven behavioral effects can persist beyond acute exposure.
- Sex steroids play a fundamental role in adult neuroplasticity.
Conclusions:
- Testosterone significantly influences motivation and effort in competitions.
- Persistent, hormone-driven effects underscore the role of sex steroids in neuroplasticity.
- Understanding these mechanisms can inform strategies for performance enhancement.
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