Foetal testosterone and the child systemizing quotient

TLDR

Systemizing is the drive to analyze or construct systems, and a recent model posits that males are more inclined to systemize than females. This study examines foetal testosterone levels as a candidate biological factor influencing sex differences in systemizing. The study assessed 204 children aged 6–9 years, using the child version of the systemizing quotient completed by mothers. Males scored higher on systemizing, and foetal testosterone emerged as the sole significant predictor of systemizing preference, indicating that fT levels, rather than sex alone, drive cognitive sex differences and support the empathizing–systemizing theory.

Abstract

This study examines foetal testosterone (fT) levels (measured in amniotic fluid) as a candidate biological factor, influencing sex differences in systemizing. Systemizing is a cognitive process, defined as the drive to analyze or construct systems. A recent model of psychological sex differences suggests that this is a major dimension in which the sexes differ, with males being more drawn to systemize than females. Participants included 204 children (93 female), age 6–9 years, taking part in a long-term study on the effects of fT. The systemizing quotient – children’s version was administered to these mothers to answer on behalf of their child. Males (mean = 27.79 ± 7.64) scored significantly higher than females (mean = 22.59 ± 7.53), confirming that boys systemize to a greater extent than girls. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that fT was the only significant predictor of systemizing preference when the sexes were examined together. Sex was not included in the final regression model, suggesting that fT levels play a greater role than the child’s sex in terms of differences in systemizing preference. This study suggests that the levels of fT are a biological factor influencing cognitive sex differences and lends support to the empathizing–systemizing theory of sex differences.