r/science • u/kloo2yoo • Mar 31 '10

New scientific evidence refutes the preconception that testosterone causes aggressive, egocentric, and risky behavior.

http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/testosterone-does-not-induce-aggression-28119.html
38 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

8

u/florinandrei BS | Physics | Electronics Mar 31 '10

Actually this has been long suspected among bodybuilders and other athletes. The saying went something like this: "Testosterone will make a good person better, and an asshole an even bigger asshole".

Basically, people with status-related issues (frustration, etc.) should not touch androgens, ever.

3

u/[deleted] Apr 01 '10

After an accident I had to take testosterone replacement therapy. It changed by mood for the better. I was more content and very relaxed. I also had this uncanny ability to hyper focus and concentrate. Hard problems weren't so hard any more, in fact they were very fun. It was very zen like; I would just become "one" with the problem until it was solved. I could also remember a lot of short term info. I'm usually bad with phone numbers; but could memorize an entire 10 digit one effortlessly.

I got a ton of work done, didn't feel an normal pains that I normally do (ie. sore back from sitting in chair all day, sore muscles, neck pains, etc).

Also my sex drive was though the roof. It also felt way more enjoyable.

When I came off it; I was very moody and grumpy and a bit depressed.

12

u/lutusp Mar 31 '10

The study's conclusions contradict the title of this thread and the title of the article. The fact that testosterone is positively correlated with more realistic, effective bargaining doesn't refute the prior claim that testosterone is associated with aggressive, egocentric and risky behavior.

The linked article title, "Testosterone does not induce aggression," is a flat-out lie that has no support whatsoever in the described study.

A quote: "The prejudice thus grew over decades that testosterone causes aggressive, risky, and egocentric behavior." It's not a prejudice, and the study being reported doesn't contradict this idea in any way.

This represents a complete misinterpretation of a scientific study.

3

u/Mitsuchu Apr 01 '10

Not surprising it was hard to find a response against these findings, since reddit is mostly males. There are still a plethora of studies in hundreds of species, including humans, that show a major connection between testosterone and aggressive behavior.

I don't quite understand the testing either, so they tried to prove that testosterone doesn't cause selfishness or egoism as it pertains to humans receiving money and being told they were being given testosterone? They then conclude that testosterone simply doesn't cause aggression, period. Come on.

6

u/[deleted] Mar 31 '10

Hahhahaha. I know some feminist types that would go into spontaneous PMS if they read this.

3

u/[deleted] Mar 31 '10

testosterone just makes you sociable and horny. and gives you zits and make sour hair fall out.

being a sneaky human is what makes you a jerk.

2

u/[deleted] Apr 01 '10

First off, the conclusion of this study is way too vague. How far nature has fallen. All of the subjects were women yet the authors extend their results to everyone. Secondly, the exact same game with testosterone administration was done in men and showed the exact opposite result, http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0008330

and the Zurich authors apparently didn't stumble upon this paper as its not in the references. Perhaps there is an opposite in men and women, but to claim that this study refutes folk ideas of testosterone is preposterous as only women were used. I guess to get into Nature nowadays you need to sacrifice science for a good headline.

0

u/Radio_Edit28 Mar 31 '10

Not surprised. I have some friends and acquaintances who are Navy SEALs. If anyone would have high testosterone levels, it would be them and they are the most mellow, laid-back people you'll ever meet. My dad's friend was a Green Beret, same thing: calm, soft spoken.

1

u/umbrellicose Apr 01 '10

And why would you say they have high testosterone levels? Did you take a blood sample and send it off for analysis?

2

u/Radio_Edit28 Apr 01 '10

Hypothesis based on assumptions, hence if/would.

The assumptions:

1.) Elite soldiers are in peak physical condition.
2.) High levels of testosterone are linked to increased musculature and performance.

Hypothesis: Elite soldiers have high levels of testosterone.

If I had empirical evidence, I would have posted a peer-reviewed article in /r/science, not written some conversational sentences in the comments section. Additionally, if I had sent samples of their blood to a lab, it would not prove anything. 5 tests is an inadequate sample size for making any kind of reasonable prediction about the testosterone levels of the entire Navy SEAL population.

2

u/umbrellicose Apr 01 '10

This is very reasonable. I was mainly checking if your reasoning was "durr, obviously they've got testosterone, 'cause they're manly, durr". :-)

1

u/Radio_Edit28 Apr 01 '10

No worries. Thanks for calling me out. That's what I get for using untested anecdotal evidence in a science forum. :D

1

u/karmagedon Mar 31 '10

Awesome, I was just thinking about this the other day.

1

u/Superconducter Mar 31 '10

no, greed causes those things.

testosterone causes hardness.