Parental Rejection and Antisocial Behavior: The Moderating Role of Testosterone
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2018
Abstract
Purpose
Research reports a positive relationship between parental rejection and antisocial behavior in adolescents and young adults. Studies also report a positive association between testosterone and antisocial behavior. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether testosterone moderates the influence of parental rejection on antisocial behavior in a sample of young adults.
Design/methodology/approach
The current study analyzed a sample of undergraduate students (N=322) to examine the interaction between testosterone and parental rejection in the prediction of antisocial behavior. Multivariate ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was used to explore this association.
Findings
Results from OLS regression models revealed that parental rejection and testosterone were independently associated with antisocial behavior and that the effect of parental rejection on antisocial behavior was stronger at higher levels of testosterone.
Originality/value
This current study is the first to examine how testosterone conditions the influence of parental rejection on antisocial behavior in young adults. Findings from the study add to the growing body of literature examining the interplay between biological and environmental factors.
Publication Information
Wells, Jessica. (2018). "Parental Rejection and Antisocial Behavior: The Moderating Role of Testosterone". Journal of Criminal Psychology, 8(4), 302-313. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCP-04-2018-0016
Comments
For a complete list of authors, please see article.