TESTOSTERONE DIFFERENCES AMONG COLLEGE FRATERNITIES: WELL-BEHAVED VS RAMBUNCTIOUS

Abstract Salivary testosterone levels were assayed among 240 members of 12 fraternities at two universities. Descriptions of the fraternities were obtained from university officials, fraternity officers, yearbook and chapter house photographs, and researchers' field notes. At the first university, high testosterone fraternities were more rambunctious, and low testosterone fraternities were more academically successful and socially responsible. At the second university, the highest testosterone fraternity was outstanding in the crudeness of its behavior. At both universities, members of lower testosterone fraternities smiled more. Lower testosterone groups were more friendly and pleasant, and higher testosterone groups more wild and unruly. The underlying behavioral dimension may be characterized as well-behaved vs rambunctious. Whether low testosterone groups are considerate to the point of altruism, and high testosterone groups inconsiderate to the point of callousness, depends upon other factors.

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