High testosterone is linked to “loss chasing” behavior after setbacks
Contrary to popular stereotypes, higher testosterone isn't consistently tied to taking more risks. Instead, new research suggests the hormone is associated with how individuals physically process their "gut feelings" after experiencing a win or loss.
A recent study suggests that testosterone may influence how men process the outcomes of their decisions, rather than directly determining how many risks they take. The hormone appears to alter the body's response to wins and losses, affecting the motivational meaning of physical arousal. Scientists measured sweat responses during a gambling game to investigate the relationship between testosterone and decision-making.
They recruited 55 young adults and had them play the Iowa Gambling Task, a computer program that simulates risky and safe card choices. The study found that high testosterone levels did not directly impact overall risk-taking, but rather influenced how men reacted to the results of their choices. Men with higher testosterone levels tended to take more risks after experiencing a strong physical reaction to a win or loss, while those with lower testosterone levels showed a decrease in risk-taking in response to such feedback.
The findings suggest that testosterone's role in human behavior is more complex than previously thought, and that it may not simply increase risk-taking in all individuals.
Written by urgent.news from PsyPost's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
