The role of androgen levels in explaining sex differences in aggression

Abstract

Past research has established that males are more aggressive than females. While there is substantial literature on the sex differences in general, reactive and proactive aggression, a majority of the studies largely examine sociological and psychological reasons and little is known about the biological factors that could account for this difference. This study hypothesises that the biological factor of androgen levels mediates the relationship between sex and aggression. In this study, a sample of 66 participants responded to a series of questionnaires measuring general, reactive and proactive aggression as well as androgen levels. Results revealed sex differences in proactive aggression, but not in general and reactive aggression. Further analyses suggest that androgen levels do not mediate the relationship between sex and proactive aggression. Although the current study concluded that androgen levels do not account for the sex difference in proactive aggression, it nevertheless contributes to the growing literature on the effect of biological factors on aggression and further sheds light on the underpinnings of sex differences in this area. It also emphasises the importance of balancing current sociological and psychological evidence with biological perspectives to construct a more holistic approach in the study of aggression.

Keywords: Sex difference, reactive aggression, proactive aggression, androgens