Fluctuations in Testosterone Levels Through Means of Projective Identification

[Cyan Goon]

“There is strong correlational and experimental evidence that T responds in predictable ways both before and after competitions for status. First, T rises shortly before a competitive event, as if anticipating the challenge. Second, after the conclusion of competition, T in winners rises relative to that of losers. T also rises after status elevations, and it falls after status demotions. These effects require the presence of appropriate mood changes — elation or dejection — accompanying the status changes. Limited evidence suggests that this pattern of T responses is specific to men.”

“One interesting thing about humans is that we are the only animal that competes in teams,” said Mark Flinn, professor of anthropology at MU. “Our hormonal reactions while competing are part of how we evolved as a cooperative species. What we found in our study is that although male’s testosterone levels increase when men are victorious against strangers or rivals, levels of the hormone tend to stay the same when competing against friends.”

“Competing in sport coalitions can raise testosterone levels in males, but males don’t have to be competing in order to see a rise in testosterone. Flinn says that when watching a favorite sport team the viewer is a part of a coalition of fans in the community and can also get a rise in testosterone levels while watching games.

“For example, when MU plays the University of Kansas, males will probably have a huge increase of testosterone during the game and afterwards if their team is victorious,” Flinn said. “At the same time we can create a coalition of fans while attending the game and bond together during the event.””

What are the best books to read / movies to watch / video games to play / etc. in order to jack one’s T?

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