In utero testosterone exposure influences physiological responses to dyadic interactions in neurotypical adults
Objective: We investigated how different levels of prenatal exposure to testosterone influence physiological reactions to dyadic interactions, hypothesising that higher levels of prenatal testosterone are linked to greater physiological responses. Method: Autonomic nervous system responses to dya...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Other Authors: | |
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2016
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://hdl.handle.net/10356/83855 http://hdl.handle.net/10220/41494 |
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| Institution: | Nanyang Technological University |
| Language: | English |
| Summary: | Objective: We investigated how different levels of prenatal exposure to testosterone influence physiological reactions to dyadic interactions, hypothesising that higher levels of prenatal testosterone are linked to greater physiological responses.
Method: Autonomic nervous system responses to dyadic interactions focussed on social or physical norms were measured. Physiological assessment of excitability (heart rate, facial temperature) and a
behavioural assessment (Likert items judgements) were run on 25 neurotypical participants who had distinct testosterone exposure levels in utero. In utero exposure to testosterone was assessed measuring 2D : 4D (ratio between the lengths of the index and the ring fingers).
Results: Higher testosterone exposure participants showed greater physiological arousal: a greater heart rate decrease, independent from scenario type (p <0.05), and opposite facial temperature changes in response to social (increase) (vs.) physical scenarios (decrease) were found (Left-cheek: p<0.05; Right-cheek: p< 0.05).
Conclusion: These findings suggest a long-term influence of prenatal environment on adults’ physiological responses during social situations. |
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