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Testosterone and sex role identification in lesbian couples
S M Pearcey1, K J Docherty, J M Dabbs
1Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta 30303-3083, USA.
Physiology & Behavior
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Testosterone levels correlate with "butch" and "femme" identity within lesbian couples. Higher "butch" ratings were linked to elevated testosterone, but only when examining partners together.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Endocrinology
- Sociology
Background:
- Common perception categorizes lesbians into "butch" (masculine) and "femme" (feminine) types.
- Previous research has not extensively explored the hormonal correlates of these identity expressions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if "butch" and "femme" identities in lesbians are associated with differing testosterone levels.
- To examine the relationship between testosterone and self-perceived masculinity/femininity within lesbian couples.
Main Methods:
- Salivary testosterone levels and "butch/femme" ratings were collected from 28 lesbian couples.
- Statistical analysis included intraclass correlations to assess within-couple similarities and differences.
Main Results:
- Lesbian partners exhibited opposite "butch/femme" ratings but similar testosterone levels.
- Within couples, higher "butch" ratings correlated with significantly higher testosterone levels.
- No significant correlation was found between testosterone and "butch/femme" ratings when individuals were analyzed independently of their partners.
Conclusions:
- Testosterone levels are associated with "butch/femme" characteristics in lesbians, but this relationship is specific to the couple dynamic.
- The findings suggest that relationship context plays a crucial role in the expression or perception of hormonal influences on identity traits.