Salivary Testosterone and Cortisol in Disruptive Children: Relationship to Aggressive, Hyperactive, and Internalizing Behaviors

Abstract

To test predictions that basal salivary testosterone and cortisol are related to antisocial and internalizing behaviors, respectively, and that cortisol moderates the testosterone-aggression relationship. Saliva samples were assayed to determine testosterone and cortisol levels in 40 clinic-referred disruptive children (aged 7 through 14 years) who were rated on aggression, inattention/overactivity, and internalizing behavior by parents, teachers, and clinic staff members. Results indicated significant positive relationships between testosterone and staff-rated aggression and between cortisol and parent-rated internalizing behavior. A significant negative relationship was found between cortisol and staff-rated inattention/overactivity. No interactions between testosterone and cortisol were found. These results were maintained regardless of age, racial background, height, weight, diagnosis, or medication status. Results suggest moderate relationships between testosterone and observed aggression, and between cortisol and emotional behaviors, in a group of disruptive children. Cortisol did not moderate the testosterone-aggression relationship in this population.