The Role of Testosterone in Aggressive Behavior: Use and Interpretation of Functional Magnetic Resonance

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Abstract

Aggressive behavior is influenced by a complex array of psychological, environmental, and physiological factors, including circulating levels of the endogenous sex hormone testosterone (T). While a growing body of literature has suggested that greater levels of T are associated with a greater propensity toward aggressive behavior, the neurobiological mechanisms leading to this association are not well understood. This chapter reviews the literature on relationships between T, brain activity, and aggressive behavior with a specific focus on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) as a measure of brain activity. First, we review both observational and interventional studies that combine these three entities, with an emphasis on design choices including various aspects of T administration and measurement, fMRI methodology, and study population. Then, we discuss how the results of these studies can be interpreted in neurobiological terms. We conclude with remarks about possible areas for future research.

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