The Testosterone Connection

In an interesting new study published in the October issue of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, a team of psychologists investigating the complex role that testosterone plays in human mating behaviour reported that significant differences in testosterone levels have been found between single men and men in committed relationships.  Elevated testosterone has been found to play a role in courtship behaviour and mate selection strategies by making unattached men more aggressive towards potential rivals and more driven in pursuing potential mates.  Men in committed relationships however, have lower testosterone levels which appears to make them more capable of nurturing behaviour, particularly with respect to parenting strategies. From an evolutionary psychology perspective, it suggests that sex hormone levels change in response to changes in relationship status to prepare men for altering roles at different points in their lives.    

The research study involved collecting saliva samples from 176 undergraduate students and surveying them to investigate their attitudes towards their current relationship and potential for engaging in extra-pair relationship, i.e., cheating on their significant other.  The results indicated that men in relationships who engaged in, or were considering, cheating had testosterone levels as high as those found in single men.  It is suggested by the researchers that elevated testosterone levels  reflect an ongoing mate selection process despite males being in a committed relationship.   

It certainly adds a whole new dimension to those annoying Cialis commercials...