Positive Affect Moderates the Relationship Between Salivary Testosterone and a Health Behavior Composite in
Luci A Martin1, Mariam Ter-Petrosyan2
1Psychology Department, University of La Verne, 1950 3rd Street, La Verne, CA, 91750, USA. lmartin@laverne.edu.
International Journal of Behavioral Medicine
|December 6, 2019
Summary
In women, high positive affect combined with low salivary testosterone was linked to healthier behaviors. This suggests psychological state influences how testosterone affects health choices.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Testosterone plays a role in social functioning and motivation in both sexes.
- In women, higher testosterone is linked to negative physical health, while lower levels are associated with psychological disorders.
- This study investigates salivary testosterone, affect, and health behaviors in female university students.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between salivary testosterone levels and a composite health behavior score.
- To determine if positive and negative affect moderate the association between testosterone and health behaviors.
- To explore demographic factors influencing these relationships.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 87 female university students (mean age 21.17).
- Data collected via questionnaires on demographics and lifestyle behaviors, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and salivary testosterone levels.
- Hierarchical regression analyses were used to test for moderation effects.
Main Results:
- Positive affect significantly moderated the relationship between salivary testosterone and health behaviors (p=.018).
- The healthiest behaviors were observed in participants with high positive affect and low salivary testosterone.
- These findings persisted after controlling for oral contraceptive use, income, relationship status, and ethnicity.
Conclusions:
- Positive affect may play a crucial role in mediating the impact of testosterone on health behaviors in women.
- Results suggest a complex interplay between neuroendocrine function, psychological state, and health behaviors.
- Further research with larger, diverse samples is recommended to validate these preliminary findings.
Related Concept Videos
02:12Relationship Formation
45.2K
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
45.2K
01:26Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I
241
Stress prevention and management are crucial for maintaining well-being and building resilience. Techniques to manage stress include cultivating qualities like conscientiousness, a sense of personal control, and self-efficacy. Each of these traits significantly reduces stress and promotes healthier lifestyle choices and outcomes.
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
241
01:30Social Relationships and Well-Being
214
The significance of social relationships in psychological well-being is a well-established area of inquiry within social psychology. Research consistently demonstrates that the presence of meaningful, supportive relationships enhances emotional health, while the absence or deterioration of such connections can contribute to psychological distress. Relationships serve as a foundation for emotional support, identity, and social belonging, all of which are critical to an individual’s overall...
214
01:30Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
204
Adopting a healthier lifestyle often requires overcoming significant challenges, but leveraging psychological, social, and cultural resources can facilitate meaningful change. Effective self-change hinges on understanding and applying key tools such as motivation and goal setting, which help sustain efforts toward long-term health benefits.
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
204
01:28Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences
191
Social behavior is a complex phenomenon that arises from the interaction between biological predispositions and environmental influences. This intricate interplay shapes how individuals think, feel, and act in various social contexts. Understanding these mechanisms requires insights from psychology, neuroscience, genetics, and evolutionary theory.Environmental Influences on Social BehaviorEnvironmental factors, including temperature, odors, and visual stimuli, play a crucial role in shaping...
191
01:22Traits, Mood, and Subjective Wellbeing
261
Subjective well-being (SWB) refers to an individual's self-evaluation of their overall life satisfaction, happiness, and fulfillment. This multifaceted construct is typically assessed by analyzing the balance of positive and negative emotions alongside perceptions of life satisfaction. Personality traits such as neuroticism and extraversion are strongly associated with variations in SWB, offering critical insights into the underlying mechanisms of emotional well-being.
Neuroticism and...
Neuroticism and...
261