Citation

Scerbo AS, Kolko DJ. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry 1994; 33(8): 1174-1184.

Affiliation

Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry, Publisher Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/00004583-199410000-00013

PMID

7982868

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To test predictions that basal salivary testosterone and cortisol are related to antisocial and internalizing behaviors, respectively, and that cortisol moderates the testosterone-aggression relationship. METHOD: Saliva samples were assayed to determine testosterone and cortisol levels in 40 clinic-referred disruptive children (aged 7 through 14 years) who were rated on aggression, inattention/overactivity, and internalizing behavior by parents, teachers, and clinic staff members. RESULTS: Results indicated significant positive relationships between testosterone and staff-rated aggression and between cortisol and parent-rated internalizing behavior. A significant negative relationship was found between cortisol and staff-rated inattention/overactivity. No interactions between testosterone and cortisol were found. These results were maintained regardless of age, racial background, height, weight, diagnosis, or medication status. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest moderate relationships between testosterone and observed aggression, and between cortisol and emotional behaviors, in a group of disruptive children. Cortisol did not moderate the testosterone-aggression relationship in this population.

Language: en