The male hormone testosterone plays an important role in the development and maintenance of typical male physical characteristics. Strength, muscle mass, facial and body hair growth. It is true that it is usually associated with aggressive behavior. And that happens to both animals and humans. However, Chinese scientists managed to establish a different connection. Something that directly affects male behavior towards others. One study looked at how testosterone affects generosity. And it turned out that it actually affects.
Induced selfishness
“We’re making a connection between increased testosterone and selfishness. This happens especially when making economic decisions. And we’ve identified the neural mechanisms by which testosterone reduces generosity, ”the study says. Who did it? It is headed by Jianxin Ou from Shenzhen University in China.
The researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment. A total of 70 healthy men between the ages of 18 and 25 who were administered this hormone took part. Behavioral and behavioral tests were then conducted to evaluate the results. The evaluation showed a trend in all cases. Participants who received extra testosterone were less generous to people who were not very close to them.
“We found that testosterone leads to more selfish decisions. And it happens especially when it comes to distant people. (…) Our study provides causal evidence for a testosterone-mediated neurohormonal relationship between generosity and the rating system. “This is what the publication in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences says.
empathy
Testosterone affects generosity, according to science it is clear. And the authors also found differences in the activity of the brain’s temporoparietal junction, the part of the brain associated with empathy.
This information can be helpful in considering testosterone supplementation treatments. And if you are one of those who take this hormone, think about the last decision you made. Was it generous or not?
