According to new research, increased levels of testosterone and cortisol can increase the chances of violent criminal behavior.
Testosterone has varied functions. In men, it is responsible for regulating sex drive or libido, strength, muscle mass, bone mass, production of red blood cells, fat, and production of sperm. While it has some of the most important functions to perform, the latest studies suggest that heightened levels of testosterone can assist in triggering violent criminal behavior.
The research published in the scientific journal Hormones and Behaviour suggests that testosterone encourages various behaviors in the pursuit of dominance and social status. As far as humans are concerned, the study suggests that elevated levels of testosterone can increase the tendency to be aggressive, leading to violent behavior.
Cortisol, a vital endocrine hormone that regulates the body’s response to stress, plays a very important role in triggering the “flight or fight” response.
An article published on PsyPost mentions the following:
“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.”
Todd Armstrong, a professor of criminology at the University of Nebraska Omaha, said, “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…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.”
Researchers involved in the study collected saliva samples from the participants. After running several experiments with active participation from the participants, the researchers concluded that those with high levels of testosterone and cortisol were more likely to engage in violence and impulsive crimes.
The PsyPost article mentions:
“‘Hormones are associated with variation in risk for criminal behavior and the nature of this association differs across criminal behavior types,” Armstrong told PsyPost. ‘Testosterone has a direct positive association with risk for impulsive and violent criminal behavior, while the interaction of testosterone with cortisol was associated with increased risk for income-generating crime.’”
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