TESTOSTERONE AND AGGRESSION

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Abstract
The evolutionary context of a possible link between testosterone and human aggressiveness is outlined. Age and sex differences in the two variables parallel one another, but are confounded by other influences. Studies comparing aggressive and non-aggressive groups (e.g., violent prisoners) show higher testosterone levels in the former. Correlations between the two variables in selected and unselected saniples are positive; they are relatively high (0.38 overall) where behavioral assessments of aggressiveness have been used, and low where trait measures were involved. There is limited evidence for a strong association between testosterone and aggressiveness during adolescence. Other studies indicate that testosterone levels are responsive to influences from the social environment, particularly those related to status and anger. Influences between testosterone and aggression may therefore operate in both directions. There is limited evidence that aggressiveness changes when testosterone levels are manipulated. Three different theoretical models which seek to explain these findings are outlined, and their imlplications for treatment and rehabilitation of violent offenders are discussed.

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