Does testosterone influence male behavior? This research explores the complex relationship between testosterone (T) levels and dominant behaviors in men, suggesting that high T levels may encourage behaviors aimed at enhancing one's status. These behaviors can range from aggression to non-aggressive dominance and antisocial actions, and T not only affects behavior but also responds to it. The study contrasts a reciprocal model, where T levels are variable and both a cause and effect of behavior, with a basal model, where T levels are persistent traits influencing behavior. By analyzing data collected over a decade on Air Force veterans, the researchers compare these models in relation to divorce, discussing the sociological implications. The results reveal a complex interplay between T and dominance, offering insights into male behavior and its societal consequences.
This article appears in Behavioral and Brain Sciences, a journal renowned for publishing influential articles in psychology, neuroscience, and related fields. This publication fits the journal's scope by examining the biological and social factors influencing human behavior. The article's focus on the complex relationship between T and dominance aligns with the journal's emphasis on interdisciplinary perspectives in understanding human behavior.