Testosterone reduces generosity through cortical and subcortical mechanisms

Jianxin Ou, Yin Wu, Yang Hu, Xiaoxue Gao, Hong Li, Philippe N. Tobler

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · 2021 · 43 citations · 33 references

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Abstract

= 60), the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) encoded the other-regarding value of the generous option during generous choices, and this effect was attenuated by testosterone, suggesting that testosterone reduced the consideration of other's welfare as underpinned by TPJ activity. Moreover, TPJ activity more strongly reflected individual differences in generosity in the placebo than the testosterone group. Furthermore, testosterone weakened the relation between the other-regarding value of generous decisions and connectivity between the TPJ and a region extending from the insula into the striatum. Together, these findings suggest that a network encompassing both cortical and subcortical components underpins the effects of testosterone on social preferences.

References

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