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SERUM TESTOSTERONE, CORTISOL, GLUCOSE, AND ETHANOL IN MALES ARRESTED FOR SPOUSAL ABUSE

NCJ Number
144959
Journal
Aggressive Behavior Volume: 18 Pages: 393-400
Author(s)
R Lindman; B von der Pahlen; B Ost; C J P Eriksson
Date Published
1992
Length
8 pages
Annotation
A Finnish study focuses on the connection between alcohol consumption and spouse abuse.
Abstract
Levels of blood alcohol, serum testosterone, cortisol, and glucose were recorded for 16 intoxicated men taken into police custody for spouse abuse, 20 similarly intoxicated nonviolent pub patrons, and 19 randomly selected men. Offenders' testosterone levels were significantly lower and cortisol levels were higher at time of arrest than during a sober state 1-2 weeks later. Offenders' testosterone, cortisol, and glucose levels did not differ from those of the pub patrons, but their sober state cortisol and glucose levels were significantly higher than those of the randomly selected men. Thus, intoxication and acute hormonal changes showed no causal link to violent behavior. Rather, the offenders' excessive drinking and spouse abuse may be maladaptive strategies for coping with stress, as indicated by their elevated sober state cortisol and glucose levels and questionnaire results that revealed a relatively high propensity towards verbal aggression. 2 tables, 2 figures, and 26 references

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