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New research provides evidence that heightened levels of testosterone and cortisol are associated with a increased risk of impulsive and violent criminal behavior. The new findings have been published in the scientific journal Hormones and Behavior.
Research had shown that testosterone encourages the pursuit of social status and dominance. In humans, elevated levels of testosterone correspond with a greater tendency to be aggressive. Cortisol, on the other hand, is an important endocrine hormone that helps regulate our bodies’ response to stress. Cortisol is secreted by the body in response to threats, and it plays a key role in the “fight or flight” response.
The effects of both of these hormones are believed to play a role in criminal behaviors, but research into this area is still in a nascent stage. In their new study, lead author Todd Armstrong (@crimvids) and his colleagues sought to better understand the direct and interactive effects of testosterone and cortisol in relation to criminal activity.
“A more comprehensive understanding of the role of individual differences in risk for criminal behavior including biological differences may support the development of individualized prevention and treatment efforts,” explained Armstrong, a professor of criminology at the University of Nebraska Omaha. “However, this research base is emergent, and we have much to learn before we begin to use our understanding of the role of individual differences in risk for criminal behavior to inform prevention and treatment.”
The researchers recruited a sample of undergraduate students as part of a larger study on criminal behavior. Their final sample included 552 participants, who were 66.5% female and averaged 20.34 years of age. The participants completed a 38-item survey in which they reported past year occurrences of a broad range of criminal activities.
Research had shown that testosterone encourages the pursuit of social status and dominance. In humans, elevated levels of testosterone correspond with a greater tendency to be aggressive. Cortisol, on the other hand, is an important endocrine hormone that helps regulate our bodies’ response to stress. Cortisol is secreted by the body in response to threats, and it plays a key role in the “fight or flight” response.
The effects of both of these hormones are believed to play a role in criminal behaviors, but research into this area is still in a nascent stage. In their new study, lead author Todd Armstrong (@crimvids) and his colleagues sought to better understand the direct and interactive effects of testosterone and cortisol in relation to criminal activity.
“A more comprehensive understanding of the role of individual differences in risk for criminal behavior including biological differences may support the development of individualized prevention and treatment efforts,” explained Armstrong, a professor of criminology at the University of Nebraska Omaha. “However, this research base is emergent, and we have much to learn before we begin to use our understanding of the role of individual differences in risk for criminal behavior to inform prevention and treatment.”
The researchers recruited a sample of undergraduate students as part of a larger study on criminal behavior. Their final sample included 552 participants, who were 66.5% female and averaged 20.34 years of age. The participants completed a 38-item survey in which they reported past year occurrences of a broad range of criminal activities.
Testosterone and cortisol levels are linked to criminal behavior, according to new research
New research provides evidence that heightened levels of testosterone and cortisol are associated with a increased risk of impulsive and violent criminal behavior. The new findings have been published in the scientific journal Hormones and Behavior.
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