Hair testosterone and cortisol interactively predict problematic pornography use in a male sample

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Behavioral Science
• Psychology

Background:

• Steroid hormones like testosterone and cortisol may influence addictive behaviors, including problematic pornography use (PPU).
• The dual-hormone hypothesis suggests interactive effects of these hormones on risk-taking and impulsivity, potentially contributing to PPU.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between long-term testosterone and cortisol levels and problematic pornography use (PPU) in men.
• To examine the potential mediating roles of impulsivity and risk-taking in the association between steroid hormones and PPU.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of hair samples from 252 male participants to determine long-term testosterone and cortisol concentrations using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.
• Assessment of decision-making (Delay-Discounting Task, Game of Dice Task) and self-reported impulsivity and PPU symptoms.

Main Results:

• Testosterone levels showed a positive association with PPU severity.
• No significant associations were found between testosterone and impulsivity or risk-taking.
• An interaction between cortisol and testosterone was observed, where higher testosterone predicted increased PPU severity only in individuals with low cortisol levels.

Conclusions:

• Basal testosterone and cortisol levels are associated with PPU in males.
• The hypothesized link between these hormone levels and impulsivity/risk-taking was not supported by the findings.
• Hormonal influences on PPU may be more complex than previously assumed, potentially moderated by other factors.