This project will investigate relationships between hormones, mood, and competitive interactions among men. A commonly held notion among scientists and lay people is that hormones must play some role in human male aggression, dominance, and competition. Previous research involving extrapolations from animal studies, and specific investigations in men has supported this idea. And, a relationship between hormones and aggressive behavior and mood states in men, while controversial, is advanced by recent data linking aggressive reaction patterns and personality characteristics to testosterone levels. Dr. Brian Gladue has shown that status and mood changes in men cause short- term changes in testosterone levels. Using saliva assays during competitive states, this investigator is able to determine testosterone levels using a non-invasive technique. His work will expand the investigation of mood, affect, hormones and dominance/competition to better understand temporal aspects of hormone-mood relationships involving cortisol and testosterone throughout and after competitive interactions.
