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Hormonal differences in perpetrators of intimate partner violence
Arthur L Cantos1, Gabriela Ontiveros1, Robert K Dearth2
1Department of Psychological Science, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, United States.
Frontiers in Psychiatry
|July 24, 2024
Summary
Men who perpetrate intimate partner violence (IPV) exhibit higher testosterone and cortisol levels. These hormones, particularly testosterone and cortisol together, are linked to aggression and antisocial behavior, suggesting a dual hormone hypothesis role in violence.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Behavioral Science
- Forensic Psychology
Background:
- Testosterone and cortisol are key hormones influencing social behavior and aggression.
- Understanding their individual and combined effects is crucial for explaining violence, particularly intimate partner violence (IPV).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differences in testosterone and cortisol levels between IPV perpetrators and non-violent controls.
- To examine the individual and joint impact of these hormones on aggressive behavior.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of baseline and post-stress salivary testosterone and cortisol levels in IPV perpetrators and controls.
- Utilized questionnaires to assess aggression and trait anger.
- Included laboratory assessments and exposure to a laboratory stressor.
Main Results:
- IPV perpetrators showed higher basal testosterone and post-stress cortisol levels compared to controls.
- A higher testosterone/cortisol ratio was observed in perpetrators.
- Trait anger moderated the association between hormones and IPV perpetration.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the role of testosterone in promoting antisocial behavior and violence.
- Results align with the dual hormone hypothesis, indicating a joint regulatory effect of testosterone and cortisol on social dominance and aggression.
- Elevated testosterone and stress-induced cortisol may increase the risk of violence perpetration.
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