Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Hormones—Context Interactions and Antisocial Behavior In Youth*

  • Chapter
Biosocial Bases of Violence

Part of the book series: Nato ASI Series ((NSSA,volume 292))

Abstract

The notion that hormones affect behavior has been around for centuries. Berthold’s 1849 famous experiment with roosters showed that removing the source of testosterone (T) decreased fighting, crowing, and mating behavior (McEwen & Schmeck, 1994). When T was restored, precastration behaviors and interests were restored leading to the conclusion that hormones have powerful effects on behavior. Unfortunately, since Berthold’s famous experiment, the specific mechanisms whereby hormones affect behavior remain unknown. What is known is that hormone concentrations, sex steroids in particular, are related to a diverse array of emotions and antisocial and aggressive behaviors. In addition to the growing body of empirical literature, theoretical models for considering the effects of hormones on behavior and the moderators of hormones and behavior in youth now are beginning to be articulated (Brooks-Gunn, Graber & Paikoff, 1994; Susman, Worrall, Murowchick, Frobose, & Schwab, in press). Hormones of both gonadal and adrenal origin are considered in these models. Earlier studies assessed only the associations between hormones and behavior whereas studies now consider the importance of the social context in which hormone-behavior interactions occur, as well as the developmental status of the individuals.

The research reported here was supported in part by grants ROI HD26004 and P20 HD29356, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and the John D and Catherine T. McArthur Foundation and the National Institute of Justice and the intramural programs of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Institute of Mental Health.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Achenbach, T. M. (1991). Manual for the Child Behavior Checklist/4-18 and 1991 Profile. Burlington, VT: University of Vermont.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beach, F. A. (1975). Behavioral endocrinology: An emerging discipline. American Science. 63, 178.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beach, F. A. (1993). Longitudinal study of delinquency, drug use, sexual activity, and pregnancy among children and youth in three cities. Public Health Reports, 108, 90–96.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bergman, B., & Brismar, B. (1994). Hormone levels and personality traits in abusive and suicidal male alcoholics. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 18, 311–316

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berenbaum, S. A., & Snyder, E. (1995). Early hormonal influences on childhood sex-typed activity and playmate preferences: Implications for the development of sexual orientation. Develapmental Psychology, 31, 31-42.

    Google Scholar 

  • Booth, A., Shelley, G., Mazur, A., Tharp, G., & Kittok, R. (1989). Testosterone, winning and losing in human competition. Hormones and Behavior, 23, 556–571.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brain, P. F. (1989). An ethoexperimental approach to behavioral endocrinology. In R. J. Blanchard, P. F. Brain, D. C. Blanchard, & S. Parmigiani (Eds.), Ethoexperimental Approaches to the Study of Behavior (pp. 539–557). Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Brain, P. F. (1994). Hormonal aspects of aggression and violence. In A. J. Reiss Jr., K. A., Miczek, & J. I. Roth (Eds.), Understanding and Preventing Violence Vol. 2 Biobehavioral Influences (pp. 173–244). Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brain, P. F., & Haug, M. (1992). Hormonal and neurochemical correlates of various forms of animal aggression. Psychoneuroendocrinologv. 17, 537–551.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brain, P., & Susman, E. J. (in press). Hormonal aspects of antisocial behavior and violence. In D. M. Stoff, J. Breiling, & J. Maser (Eds.), Handbook of Antisocial Behavior. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brooks-Gunn, J., Graber, J., & Paikoff, R. (1994). Studying links between hormones and negative affect: Models and measures. Journal of Research on Adolescence. 4, 469–486.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brooks-Gunn, J., & Warren, M. (1989). Biological and social contributions to negative affect in young adolescent girls. Child Development, 60, 40–55.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Buchanan, C., Eccles, J. S., & Becker, J. B. (1992). Are adolescents the victims of raging hormones: Evidence for activational effects of hormones on moods and behavior at adolescence. Psychological Bulletin, 111, 62–107.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chrousos, G. P., & Gold, P. W. (1992). The concepts of stress and stress system disorders. Journal of the American Medical Association. 267, 1244–1252.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Costello, A. J., Edelbrock, C., Kalas, R., Dulcan, M. K., & Klaric, S. H. (1983). Development and testing of the NIMH Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children in a clinical population. National Institute of Mental Health.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dorn, L. D., Susman, E. J., & Petersen, A. C. (1993). Cortisol reactivity and anxiety and depression in pregnant adolescents: A longitudinal perspective. Journal of Psychoneuroendocrinology, 18, 219–239.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dorn, L. D. & Chrousos, G. P. (In press). The neurobiology of stress: Understanding regulation of affect during female biological transitions. In S Berga (Ed.). Seminars in reproductive endocrinology. New York, NY: Thieme Stratton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dorn, L. D., Burgess, E. S., Susman, E. J., von Eye, A., DeBellis, M.D., Gold, P. W., & Chrousos, G. P. (in press). Response to ∘CRH in depressed and non-depressed adolescents: Does gender make a difference? Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eccles, J. S., Miller, C. L., Tucker, M. L., Becker, J., Schramm, W., Midgley, R., Holmes, W., Pasch, L., & Miller, M. (1988). Hormones and affect at early adolescence. In J. Brooks-Gunn (Chair), Hormonal contributions to adolescent behavior. A symposium conducted at the second biennial meeting of Society for Research on Adolescence, Alexandria, VA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gold, P. W., Goodwin, & Chrousos, G. P. (1988a). Clinical and biochemical manifestations of depression: Relation to the neurobiology of stress (First of two parts). New England Journal of Medicine, 319, 348–353.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gold, P. W., Goodwin, F. K., & Chrousos, G. P. (1988b). Clinical and biochemical manifestations of depression: Relation to the neurobiology of stress (Second of two parts). New England Journal of Medicine, 319, 413–420.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hedge, G. A., Colby, H. A., & Goodman, R. L. (1987). Clinical Endocrine Physiology. W. B. Saunders Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huizinga, D., Loeber, R., & Thornberry, T. P. (1993). Longitudinal study of delinquency, drug use, sexual activity, and pregnancy among children and youth in three cities. Public Health Reports, 108, 90–96.

    PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Inoff-Germain, G. E., Arnold, G. S., Nottelmann, E. D., Susman, E. J., Cutler, G. B., Jr., & Chrousos, G. P. (1988). Relations between hormone levels and observational measures of aggressive behavior of early adolescents in family interactions. Developmental Psychology. 24, 129–139.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, E. O., Kamilaris, T. C., Chrousos, G. P., & Gold, P. W. (1992). Mechanisms of stress: A dynamic overview of hormonal and behavioral homeostasis. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 16, 115–130.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kagan, J., Resnick, S. & Snidman, N. (1987). The physiology and psychology of behavioral inhibition in children. Child Development, 58, 1459–1473.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kovacs, M., Krol, R. S., & Voti, L. (1994). Early onset psychopathology and the risk for teenage pregnancy among clinically referred girls. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 33, 106–113.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Levine, S., & Weiner, S. G. (1989). Coping with uncertainty: A paradox. In D. S. Palermo (Ed.), Coping with uncertainty: Behavioral and developmental perspectives (pp. 1–16). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Magnusson, D., & Cairns, R. B. (1992). Developmental science: Toward a unitary framework for the investigator of psychological phenomena. Unpublished manuscript. University of Stockholm.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marshall, W. A., & Tanner, J. (1969). Variations in the pattern of pubertal change in girls. Archives of the Disabled Child, 44, 291–303.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marshall, W. A., & Tanner, J. (1970). Variations in the pattern of pubertal change in boys. Archives of the Disabled Child. 45, 13–23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mayr, E. (1988). Towards a new philosophy of’ biology: Observations of an evolutionist. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mazur, A., & Lamb, T. A. (1980). Testosterone, status, and mood in human males. Hormones and Behavior, 14, 236–246.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McBurnett, K., Lahey, B. B., Frick, P. J., Risch, C., Loeber, R., Hart, E. L., Christ, M.A., & Hanson, K. A. (1991). Anxiety, inhibition, and conduct disorder in children: II. Relation to salivary cortisol. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 30, 192–196.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McCool, W., & Susman, E. J. (1994). Cortisol reactivity and self-report anxiety in antepartum: Predictors of maternal intrapartal outcomes in gravid adolescents. Journal of Psychosocial Obstetrics and Gynecology. 15, 9–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McCool, W., Dorn, L. D., & Susman, E. J. (1994). Relations of cortisol reactivity and anxiety to perinatal outcome in primiparous adolescents. Research in Nursing and Health. 17, 411–420.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McEwen, B.S., & Schmeck, H. M. Jr. (1994). The Hostage Brain. The Rockefeller University Press: Rockefeller, NY.

    Google Scholar 

  • McEwen, B. S., Angulo, J., Cameron, H., Chao, H. M., Daniels, D., Gannon, M. N., Gould, E., Mendelson, S., Sakai, R., Spencer, R., & Woolley, C. (1992). Paradoxical effects of adrenal steroids on the brain: Protection versus degeneration. Biological Psychiatry. 31, 177–199.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Money, J., & Ehrhardt, A. A. (1972). Man and woman, boy and girl. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nottelmann, E. D., Inoff-Germain, G. E., Susman, E. J., & Chrousos, G. P. (1990). Hormones and behavior at puberty. In J. Bancroft & J. M. Reinisch (Eds.), Adolescence and puberty, (pp. 513–517). New York, NY: Garland Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nottelmann, E. D., Susman, E. J., Dorn, L. D., Inoff-Germain, G. E., Cutler, G. B., Jr., Loriaux, D. L., & Chrousos, G. P. (1987). Developmental processes in American early adolescents: Relationships between adolescent adjustment problems and chronological pubertal stage and pube11y-related serum hormone levels. Journal of Pediatrics, 110, 473–480.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Offer, D., Ostrov, E., & Howard, K. I., (1977). The Offer Self-Image Questionnaire for Adolescents: A manual. Chicago: Michael Reese Hospital.

    Google Scholar 

  • Olweus, D., Mattsson, A., Schalling, D., & Low, H. (1980). Testosterone, aggression, physical, and personality dimensions in normal adolescent males. Psychosomatic Medicine. 42, 253–269.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Olweus, D., Mattsson, A., Schalling, D., & Low, H. (1988). Circulating testosterone levels and aggression in adolescent males: A causal analysis. Psychosomatic Medicine, 50, 261–272.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Phoenix, C. H., Goy, R. W., Gerall, A. A., & Young, W. C. (1959). Organizing action of prenatally administered testosterone propionate on the tissues mediating mating behavior in the female guinea pig. Endocrinology, 65, 369–382.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ponirakis, A., Susman, E. J., & Stifter, C. (1996). Emotionality during adolescent pregnancy and its effects on infant health and autonomic nervous system reactivity. Manuscript in preparation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Preville, M., Susman, E. J., Zarit, S., Smyer, M., Bosworth, H., Smyer, M., Bosworth, H. B., & Reid, J. (in press). A measurement model of cortisol reactivity of healthy older adults during relocation to a retirement home. Journal of Gerontology.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rose, R. (1980). Endocrine responses to stressful psychological events. In E. J. Sachar (Ed.), Advances in psychoneuroendocrinolgy (pp. 251–276). The Psychiatric Clinics of North America 3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sapolsky, R. M. (1982). The endocrine stress-response and social status in the wild baboon. Hormones and Behavior, 16, 279–292.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sapolsky, R. M. (1991). Testicular function, social rank and personality among wild baboons. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 16, 281–293.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schaal, B., Tremblay, R. E., Souissignan, R., & Susman, E. J. (1995). Male pubertal testosterone linked to high social dominance but low physical aggression: A 7 year longitudinal study. Journal of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwab-Stone, M., Fisher, M.S., Piacentini, J., Shaffer, D., Davies, M., & Briggs, M. (1993). Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-Revised Version (DISC-R): II. Test-retest reliability. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 32, 651–657.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Susman, E. J. (1993). Psychological contextual and psychobiological interactions: A developmental perspective on conduct disorder. Development and Psychopathology, 5, 181–189.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Susman, E. J., Dorn, L. D., & Chrousos, G. P. (1991). Negative affect and hormone levels in young adolescents: Concurrent and longitudinal perspectives. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 20, 167–190.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Susman, E. J., Dorn, L. D., Inoff-Gennain, G. E., Nottelmann, E. D., & Chrousos, G. P. (in press). Cortisol reactivity, distress behavior, behavior problems, and emotionality in young adolescents: A longitudinal perspective. Journal of Research on Adolescence.

    Google Scholar 

  • Susman, E. J., Granger, D. A., Murowchick, E., Ponirakis, A., & Worrall, B. K. (in press). Gonadal and adrenal hormones: Developmental transitions and aggressive behavior. New York Academy of Sciences.

    Google Scholar 

  • Susman, E. J., Nottelmann, E. D., Dorn, L. D., Gold, P., & Chrousos, G. P. (1989). The physiology of stress and behavioral development. In D. S. Palermo (Ed.), Coping with Uncertainty: Behavioral and Developmental Perspectives (pp. 17–37). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Susman, E. J., & Petersen, A. C. (1992). Hormones and behavior in adolescence. In E. R. McAnarney, R. E. Kreipe, D. P. Orr, & G. D. Comerci (Eds.), Textbook of Adolescent Medicine (pp. 125–130). New York: Saunders Publ.

    Google Scholar 

  • Susman, E. J.. Nottelmann, E. D., Inoff, G. E., Dorn, L. D., Cutler, G. B., Loriaux, D. L., & Chrousos, G. P. (1985). The relation of relative honnonallevels and social-emotional behavior in young adolescents. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 14, 245–252.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Susman, E. J., Inoff-Germain, G. E., Nottelmann, E. D., Cutler, G. B., Loriaux, D. L., & Chrousos, G. P. (1987), Hormones, emotional dispositions and aggressive attributes in young adolescents. Child Development, 58. 1114–1134.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Susman, E. J., Worrall, B. K., Murowchick, E., Frobose, C., & Schwab, J. E. (in press). Experience and neuroendocrine parameters of development: Aggressive behavior and competencies. In D. Stoff & R. Cairns (Eds.). Neurobiological approaches to clinical aggression research. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Susman, E. J., Dorn, L. D., Schwab, J. E., Frobose, C. A., Murowchick, E., & Murray, D. D. (1996). Cortisol reactivity, environmental processes and emotionality in pregnant and nonpregnant adolescents. Manuscript submitted for publication.

    Google Scholar 

  • Susman, E. J., Schmeelk, K. H., Worrall, B. K., & Heaton, J. A. (1996, March). Corticotropin releasing hormone and emotional regulation in pregnant adolescents. Paper presented at the Society for Research on Adolescence, Boston, MA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vale, W., Spiess, J., Rivier, C., & Rivier, J. (1981). Characterization of a 41 residue ovine hypothalamic peptide that stimulates the secretion of corticotropin and ß-endorphin. Science, 213, 1394–1397.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Virkkunen, M., Rawlings, R., Tokola, R., Poland, R. E., Guidotti, A., Nemeroff, C., Bissette, G., Kalogeras, K., Karonen, S. L. & Linnoila, M. (1994). CSF biochemistries, glucose metabolism, and diurnal activity rhythms in alcoholic, violent offenders, impulsive fire setters, and healthy volunteers. Archives of General Psychiatry,–, 20–27.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA

    Elizabeth J. Susman & Angelo Ponirakis

Authors
  1. Elizabeth J. Susman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Angelo Ponirakis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Adrian Raine  & Sarnoff A. Mednick  & 

  2. Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

    Patricia A. Brennan

  3. Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK

    David P. Farrington

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1997 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Susman, E.J., Ponirakis, A. (1997). Hormones—Context Interactions and Antisocial Behavior In Youth*. In: Raine, A., Brennan, P.A., Farrington, D.P., Mednick, S.A. (eds) Biosocial Bases of Violence. Nato ASI Series, vol 292. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-4648-8_15

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-4648-8_15

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4757-4650-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4757-4648-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation