Event Title
Romantic Partners’ Compatibility Beliefs Moderate Testosterone Reactivity to an Acute Stressor
Faculty Mentor
Elizabeth Shirtcliff
Location
Orchestra Room, Angelle Hall
Start Date
12-4-2014 10:45 AM
End Date
12-4-2014 11:45 AM
Description
Laboratory stress affects testosterone, a masculinizing, relationship-oriented and stress-responsive hormone. Previously, Iturri (2013) found relationship quality predicted lower testosterone levels and higher testosterone stress reactivity. This study further examines testosterone stress reactivity within romantic partners (N=30, age=18-25 years). Supportiveness was indexed as relationship compatibility beliefs with a romantic partner. Women had greater testosterone reactivity than men (b=.26, p<.001); individuals, especially women, with higher compatibility had significantly stronger testosterone reactivity to the stressor (b=.29, p<.0001) and faster testosterone recovery (b=-.43, p=.002). Results confirm testosterone is modulated by relationship factors and extend this observation into the acute stress setting with romantic couples.
Romantic Partners’ Compatibility Beliefs Moderate Testosterone Reactivity to an Acute Stressor
Orchestra Room, Angelle Hall
Laboratory stress affects testosterone, a masculinizing, relationship-oriented and stress-responsive hormone. Previously, Iturri (2013) found relationship quality predicted lower testosterone levels and higher testosterone stress reactivity. This study further examines testosterone stress reactivity within romantic partners (N=30, age=18-25 years). Supportiveness was indexed as relationship compatibility beliefs with a romantic partner. Women had greater testosterone reactivity than men (b=.26, p<.001); individuals, especially women, with higher compatibility had significantly stronger testosterone reactivity to the stressor (b=.29, p<.0001) and faster testosterone recovery (b=-.43, p=.002). Results confirm testosterone is modulated by relationship factors and extend this observation into the acute stress setting with romantic couples.