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Sex differences in human aggression: The interaction between early developmental and later activational testosterone

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 August 2009

David Terburg ,
Jiska S. Peper ,
Barak Morgan  and
Jack van Honk
David Terburg
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands. [email protected]@[email protected]
Jiska S. Peper
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands. [email protected]@[email protected]
Barak Morgan
Affiliation:
Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Department of Human Biology, Cape Town, South Africa7925. [email protected]
Jack van Honk
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands. [email protected]@[email protected]
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Abstract

The relation between testosterone levels and aggressive behavior is well established. From an evolutionary viewpoint, testosterone can explain at least part of the sex differences found in aggressive behavior. This explanation, however, is mediated by factors such as prenatal testosterone levels and basal levels of cortisol. Especially regarding sex differences in aggression during adolescence, these mediators have great influence. Based on developmental brain structure research we argue that sex differences in aggression have a pre-pubertal origin and are maintained during adolescence. Evidence of prenatal, adolescent, and adult levels of testosterone in relation to aggression taken together, support Archer's argument for sexual selection as the driver of sex differences in aggression.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 32 , Issue 3-4 , August 2009 , pp. 290
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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