The role of testosterone in social interaction

Christoph Eisenegger, Johannes Haushofer, Ernst Fehr

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

483 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although animal researchers established the role of testosterone as a 'social hormone' decades ago, the investigation of its causal influence on human social behaviors has only recently begun. Here, we review and discuss recent studies showing the causal effects of testosterone on social interactions in animals and humans, and outline the basic neurobiological mechanisms that might underlie these effects. Based on these recent findings, we argue that the role of testosterone in human social behavior might be best understood in terms of the search for, and maintenance of, social status.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)263-271
Number of pages9
JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences
Volume15
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2011

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
  • Cognitive Neuroscience

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