Abstract
Objectives: Given the paucity of studies focusing on testosterone (T) and adolescent sexuality, and their conflicting findings, we aimed to empirically address two competing conceptualizations of the link between T and sexual behavior in adolescence: (1) the T as sexual motivator and (2) the T as competition-sensitive sexual motivator models. Methods: The study used data from a longitudinal study of 252 male Croatian adolescents who provided a saliva sample at the final data collection wave (at the age of 18). Applying multivariate statistical procedures, we tested links between salivary T levels and a range of partnered and non-partnered sexual behaviors—partly in retrospect. Results: Only one significant association emerged—a robust link between T at the age of 18 and the number of lifetime sexual partners. Considering the evidence that multiple sexual partners can enhance male adolescents’ social status, our findings support the T as competition-sensitive sexual motivator model. Conclusions: Although this study could not distinguish between direct and indirect influences of T on adolescents’ sexuality, it confirmed the value of biopsychosocial approach to adolescent sexuality.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology |
| Volume | 5 |
| Pages (from-to) | 382–395 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| ISSN | 2198-7335 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2019 |
Keywords
- Male adolescents
- Testosterone
- Sexual behavior
- Social competition