Beyond the challenge hypothesis: The emergence of the dual-hormone hypothesis and recommendations for future research

• Published in: Hormones and behavior 2020-07, Vol.123, p.104657-104657, Article 104657
• Main Authors: Knight, Erik L., Sarkar, Amar, Prasad, Smrithi, Mehta, Pranjal H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aggression - physiology; Biomedical Research - standards; Biomedical Research - trends; Female; Humans; Hydrocortisone - blood; Hydrocortisone - physiology; Male; Personality - physiology; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Reproduction - physiology; Social Environment; Surveys and Questionnaires; Testosterone - blood; Testosterone - physiology
• ISSN: 0018-506X; 1095-6867
• DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104657

The challenge hypothesis makes specific predictions about the association between testosterone and status-seeking behaviors, but the findings linking testosterone to these behaviors are often inconsistent. The dual-hormone hypothesis was developed to help explain these inconsistencies. Specifically, according to this hypothesis, testosterone's association with status-seeking behavior depends on levels of cortisol. Here, we (1) describe the dual-hormone hypothesis in relation to the challenge hypothesis; (2) review recent studies that tested the dual-hormone hypothesis as well as meta-scientific evidence of heterogeneous dual-hormone findings across studies; (3) discuss potential explanations for this heterogeneity, including methodological considerations, contextual factors, and individual differences; and (4) provide recommendations for new work aimed at testing and extending the dual-hormone hypothesis. •The dual-hormone hypothesis extends the challenge hypothesis.•Testosterone × cortisol interactions predict status seeking behaviors.•Social contextual and individual difference factors may alter these associations.•We recommend methodological improvements and key next steps for research.