Associations between Cortisol, Testosterone, and Psychopathic Traits among Adolescents

• In Event: The Neurobiology of Psychopathic Traits in Youths and College Students

Abstract

Adolescents displaying certain personality traits (e.g., callousness) and behaviors (e.g., aggression) are at increased risk for continued problematic behavior later in life. Altered levels of hormones such as cortisol and testosterone, which influence responding to the environment, may contribute to individual differences in these traits and behaviors. For example, among adults, higher testosterone relative to cortisol is related to psychopathic traits, as it may increase reward sensitivity and reduce punishment sensitivity. This study examined whether this is also true in adolescents. In addition, the project measured testosterone and cortisol levels (via saliva samples) in a more naturalistic setting than is commonly used in hormone studies, by assessing 200 high school students’ hormone levels before and after a school-related stressor – a pop quiz. Personality traits such as callousness and behaviors such as bullying were also assessed. Results and implications will be discussed. These findings will help elucidate the etiologic mechanisms of psychopathy and will add to current knowledge of the development of psychopathic traits across the lifespan. Better understanding of the development of adolescent psychopathic traits could aid in intervention efforts for youth.

Authors

• Al Johnson, University of Alabama

• Andrea Glenn, University of Alabama