The dual-hormone hypothesis: a brief review and future research agenda. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mehta, Pranjal H; Prasad, Smrithi
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in behavioral sciences. Volume 3(2015)
• Page Start: 163
• Page End: 168
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: Psychology -- Periodicals; 150.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2015.04.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-1546

Abstract

Highlights: This paper reviews evidence for the dual-hormone hypothesis. Testosterone's association with status-relevant behavior depends on cortisol. Behaviors include dominance, aggression, status, and economic decisions. Future studies should identify mechanisms and moderators. Interventions can be designed based on this dual-hormone model. Abstract : The dual-hormone hypothesis posits that testosterone's role in status-relevant behavior should depend on concentrations of cortisol, a hormone released in response to physical and psychological stress. This paper (i) reviews evidence for the dual-hormone hypothesis on measures of dominance, aggression, social status, risk-taking, and economic decision-making; (ii) discusses contextual and individual difference moderators of dual-hormone associations with behavior; and (iii) outlines key directions for future research. Together, this review points to promising support for the dual-hormone hypothesis across multiple behavioral domains relevant to the pursuit and maintenance of social status.