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Saliva Testosterone and Criminal Violence in Young Adult Prison Inmates

NCJ Number
109844
Journal
Psychosomatic Medicine Volume: 49 Issue: 2 Dated: (March/April 1987) Pages: 174-182
Author(s)
J M Dabbs; R L Frady; T S Carr; N F Besch
Date Published
1987
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Free testosterone was measured in the saliva of 89 male prison inmates to determine whether there was a correlation between testosterone levels and criminal behavior.
Abstract
Testosterone is the principal male sex hormone, affecting both physical development and behavior. It stimulates sexual development of males in utero and in adolescence. It is apparently related to a wide range of psychological and behavioral factors, including aggression, dominance, overall activity level, libido, sensation seeking, persistence, and sociability. This study found that inmates with higher testosterone concentrations had more often been convicted of violent crimes. The relationship was most striking at the extremes of the testosterone distribution, where 9 out of 11 inmates with the lowest testosterone concentrations had committed nonviolent crimes, and 10 out of 11 inmates with the highest testosterone concentrations had committed violent crimes. Among the inmates convicted of nonviolent crimes, those higher in testosterone received longer sentences before parole and longer punishments for disciplinary infractions in prison. In the housing unit where peer ratings were most reliable, inmates rated as tougher by their peers were higher in testosterone. 1 figure and 39 references. (Author abstract modified)

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