Diurnal testosterone variability is differently associated with parenting quality in mothers and fathers
Endendijk,J. J. Hallers-Haalboom,E.T. Groeneveld,M.G. van Berkel,S. R. Van der Pol,L.D. Bakermans-Kranenburg,M. J. Mesman,J.
Endendijk,J. J.
Hallers-Haalboom,E.T.
Groeneveld,M.G.
van Berkel,S. R.
Van der Pol,L.D.
Bakermans-Kranenburg,M. J.
Mesman,J.
Abstract
Previous studies on the relation between testosterone (T) levels and parenting have found ample evidence for the challenge hypothesis, demonstrating that high T levels inhibit parental involvement and that becoming a parent is related to a decrease in T levels in both mothers and fathers. However, less is known about the relation between T levels and more qualitative aspects of parenting. In the current study we examined basal T levels and diurnal variability in T levels in relation to mothers' and fathers' parenting quality. Participants included 217 fathers and 124 mothers with two children (3 and 5 years of age). Evening and morning salivary T samples were analyzed with radio-immunoassays to determine circulating T levels. Parental sensitivity (i.e., child-centered responsiveness) and respect for children's autonomy were observed during free play in the family home. The results showed that higher evening T levels in mothers were associated with more sensitivity to the oldest and youngest child. Diurnal T variability was more consistently associated with parenting behavior towards their children than basal T levels. For fathers, more diurnal variability in T was associated with more sensitivity and more respect for autonomy with their youngest children. For mothers, more diurnal variability in T was associated with less sensitivity to both children and less respect for the youngest child's autonomy. These findings suggest that the T system might act differently in relation to parenting behavior in males and females. Keywords: Testosterone levels, Diurnal variability, Fathers, Mothers, Parenting quality
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2016
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Endendijk, J J, Hallers-Haalboom, E T, Groeneveld, M G, van Berkel, S R, Van der Pol, L D, Bakermans-Kranenburg, M J & Mesman, J 2016, 'Diurnal testosterone variability is differently associated with parenting quality in mothers and fathers', Hormones and Behavior, vol. 80, pp. 68-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.01.016