Aggression, dominance, and affiliation: Their relationships with androgen levels and intelligence in 5-year-old children

Horm Behav. 2006 Jun;50(1):132-40. doi: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2006.02.004. Epub 2006 Mar 29.

Abstract

This study explores the potential relationship between social behavior (aggression, dominance, and affiliation) and testosterone, androstenedione, and DHEA measurements in 5-year-old children while also analyzing the moderating effect of IQ on the hormone-behavior relationship. 129 healthy normal Iberian children (60 boys and 69 girls) were videotaped in free play interactions in the school playground. Their behavior was then evaluated with particular emphasis on aggression, government, and affiliation. Testosterone, androstenedione, and DHEA levels were measured using an enzyme immunoassay technique in saliva samples. A test (K-BIT) which provides an IQ measurement for children was also administered to subjects. The correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between the behavioral factor of Provocation and androstenedione in boys, and a regression analysis indicated that this relationship was moderated in a positive direction by the subject's intelligence. In girls, we observed a positive relationship between testosterone and Affectivity, with this relationship being moderated in a negative direction by intelligence.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aggression / physiology*
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Androgens / metabolism*
  • Androstenedione / metabolism
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intelligence / physiology*
  • Leadership
  • Male
  • Principal Component Analysis
  • Reference Values
  • Regression Analysis
  • Saliva / metabolism*
  • Social Behavior*
  • Social Dominance*
  • Testosterone / metabolism

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Testosterone
  • Androstenedione
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone