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Knöbel S, Borchert A, Gatzmaga N, Heilmann F, Musculus L, Laborde S, Lautenbach F. The impact of soccer-specific psychophysiological stress on inhibition and cognitive flexibility in elite youth players. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 2024; 74:102682. [PMID: 38821249 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
While researchers and practitioners attribute an essential role to executive functions (EFs) for soccer performance, the usefulness of respective diagnostics and the predictive value remain unclear. One limitation restricting the translation and relevance of study results to improve actual game performance is the insufficient consideration of competitive conditions. Thus, this study aimed to conduct soccer-specific cognitive diagnostics under a soccer-specific psychophysiological stress condition, mimicing the demands of a competitive game. A total of 92 (Mage = 15.17, SDage = 1.45) youth elite players performed tests for inhibition (flanker task) or cognitive flexibility (number-letter task) with a soccer-specific motor response (i.e., pass into goals). After a pre-test in a neutral condition, players were randomly assigned to a neutral (moderate soccer-specific exercise) or a stress condition (physical stress and competitive instructions and filming for psychological stress). Objective (i.e., cortisol, heart rate variability) and subjective stress-related measures (i.e., SAM, VAS) were assessed six times throughout experimental procedure. Analyses revealed significant interaction effects between time and condition for all objective and subjective variables indicating a successful experimental stress induction. For cognitive performance, results revealed significant main effects of time, but no significant interaction effects between time and condition. However, descriptive statistics suggested improved performance under stress, with decreased flanker effect and switch costs. Additionally, response time variability in the flanker task significantly decreased in the stress condition. These findings offer insights into individual stress perception and processing under game-related psychophysiological demands, expanding previous research on situational EF alterations that also hold relevance for applied practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Knöbel
- Leipzig University, Faculty of Sport Science, Chair of Sport Psychology, Jahnallee 59, 04109, Leipzig, Germany; Sport Psychology, Institute of Sport Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstraße 13, 10115, Berlin, Germany.
| | - A Borchert
- RasenBallsport Leipzig GmbH, Cottaweg 3, 04177, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - N Gatzmaga
- RasenBallsport Leipzig GmbH, Cottaweg 3, 04177, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - F Heilmann
- Movement Science Lab, Institute of Sport Science, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Seckendorff-Platz 2, 06120, Halle, Saale, Germany.
| | - L Musculus
- German Sport University Cologne, Institute of Psychology, Dept. Performance Psychology, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany.
| | - S Laborde
- German Sport University Cologne, Institute of Psychology, Dept. Performance Psychology, Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6, 50933, Cologne, Germany.
| | - F Lautenbach
- Sport Psychology, Institute of Sport Science, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Philippstraße 13, 10115, Berlin, Germany.
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2
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Belinchón M, Polo P, Rodriguez-Sickert C, Figueroa O, Valenzuela N, Pavez P, Muñoz-Reyes JA. The effect of intergroup competition outcome on ingroup cooperation: insights from the male warrior hypothesis. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1303372. [PMID: 38855310 PMCID: PMC11157109 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1303372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Male Warrior Hypothesis (MWH) proposes that sex-specific selective pressures have promoted male cooperation with the ingroup members to outcompete rival groups. However, intergroup conflicts do not occur in isolation and the outcomes of previous competitions may influence group cooperativeness. Since this phenomenon is not well understood, we aimed to shed light on the effect of previous competition outcome on later cooperative behavior under intergroup conflicts. Based on the MWH, we hypothesized that repeated contests between groups could enhance ingroup cooperation, regardless of the outcome of the previous contest because status is at risk, but when competition is not present, participants would move to the symmetric equilibria. Methods To test this hypothesis, we recruited 246 individuals organized in groups of 6 and measured cooperation using a threshold public good game over two rounds, manipulating the outcome in the first round to create groups of winners and losers. Results Our results show that intergroup conflict scenarios promoted cooperation in both victory and defeat conditions, whereas, in the control scenario only losers increased their cooperation. Discussion We argue that winners under the presence of an external threat may enhance in-group cooperation in order to assure their status; whereas, losers may be attempting to regain it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Belinchón
- Laboratorio de Comportamiento Animal y Humano, Centro de Investigación en Complejidad Social, Facultad de Gobierno, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Polo
- Laboratorio de Comportamiento Animal y Humano, Centro de Investigación en Complejidad Social, Facultad de Gobierno, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Rodriguez-Sickert
- Laboratorio de Comportamiento Animal y Humano, Centro de Investigación en Complejidad Social, Facultad de Gobierno, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Oriana Figueroa
- Laboratorio de Comportamiento Animal y Humano, Centro de Investigación en Complejidad Social, Facultad de Gobierno, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nohelia Valenzuela
- Laboratorio de Comportamiento Animal y Humano, Centro de Investigación en Complejidad Social, Facultad de Gobierno, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paula Pavez
- Facultad de Educación, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - José Antonio Muñoz-Reyes
- Laboratorio de Comportamiento Animal y Humano, Centro de Investigación en Complejidad Social, Facultad de Gobierno, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
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3
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Zhang J, Li WC, Braithwaite G, Blundell J. Practice effects of a breathing technique on pilots' cognitive and stress associated heart rate variability during flight operations. Stress 2024; 27:2361253. [PMID: 38859613 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2024.2361253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Commercial pilots endure multiple stressors in their daily and occupational lives which are detrimental to psychological well-being and cognitive functioning. The Quick coherence technique (QCT) is an effective intervention tool to improve stress resilience and psychophysiological balance based on a five-minute paced breathing exercise with heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback. The current research reports on the application of QCT training within an international airline to improve commercial pilots' psychological health and support cognitive functions. Forty-four commercial pilots volunteered in a one-month training programme to practise self-regulated QCT in day-to-day life and flight operations. Pilots' stress index, HRV time-domain and frequency-domain parameters were collected to examine the influence of QCT practice on the stress resilience process. The results demonstrated that the QCT improved psychophysiological indicators associated with stress resilience and cognitive functions, in both day-to-day life and flight operation settings. HRV fluctuations, as measured through changes in RMSSD and LF/HF, revealed that the resilience processes were primarily controlled by the sympathetic nervous system activities that are important in promoting pilots' energy mobilization and cognitive functions, thus QCT has huge potential in facilitating flight performance and aviation safety. These findings provide scientific evidence for implementing QCT as an effective mental support programme and controlled rest strategy to improve pilots' psychological health, stress management, and operational performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Zhang
- Safety and Accident Investigation Centre, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, UK
| | - Wen-Chin Li
- Safety and Accident Investigation Centre, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, UK
| | - Graham Braithwaite
- Safety and Accident Investigation Centre, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, UK
| | - James Blundell
- Safety and Accident Investigation Centre, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, UK
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4
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Jia S, Meng Y, Wang Q, Ao L, Gao Y, Yang L, Wang H, Liu Y. Intimate Relationships Weaken Female Competition: Evidence from Phase-amplitude Coupling and Event-Related Potentials. Neuroscience 2023; 534:41-53. [PMID: 37884087 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Competition, an essential component of social interaction, frequently occurs in daily life, and the impact of intimate relationships on women's competition has not yet been revealed. In this study, the visual target paradigm was used to explore the neural mechanisms underlying the regulation of female competitiveness by intimate relationships using event-related potential (ERP) data, time-frequency analysis, and brain functional connectivity. The research results indicate that, the P1, the N4, and the LPP were sensitive to the impact of intimate relationships on competition. Compared to competition between unfamiliar opposite-gender dyads, the average amplitudes of the N4 and LPP were higher in the late stage of competition between romantic partners. Compared to competition with strangers of the opposite gender, alpha band power was significantly higher when female individuals competed with their romantic partners. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the synchronization of activity in the frontal, parietal, and right temporal lobes of a female's brain and their degree of female engagement in competition. When a female individuals focused on the competition, activity synchronization was higher. The results indicate that competition with unfamiliar individuals of the opposite gender can make female focus on the competitive task, causing synchronous activation of corresponding brain regions. When competing with a romantic partner, women's focus decreases, their willingness to compete decreases, and the synchrony of brain functional connectivity decreases. This study suggests that intimate relationship weakens women's competitiveness, which is of significant importance for understanding high-quality intimate relationship and promoting the development of healthy competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyu Jia
- Yingjie Liu, School of Public Health, School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
| | - Yujia Meng
- Yingjie Liu, School of Public Health, School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Yingjie Liu, School of Public Health, School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
| | - Lihong Ao
- Yingjie Liu, School of Public Health, School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Yingjie Liu, School of Public Health, School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Yingjie Liu, School of Public Health, School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
| | - He Wang
- Yingjie Liu, School of Public Health, School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China
| | - Yingjie Liu
- Yingjie Liu, School of Public Health, School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei, China.
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5
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Costa R, Abad-Tortosa D, Alacreu-Crespo A, Saiz-Clar E, Salvador A, Serrano MÁ. Looking for the Key to Winning: Psychophysiological Predicting Factors in Healthy University Students. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:978. [PMID: 38131834 PMCID: PMC10741204 DOI: 10.3390/bs13120978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Performance in competitive situations has been linked to various psychobiological factors such as personality traits (e.g., competitiveness), situational appraisal (e.g., motivation), and cardiovascular response (e.g., heart rate). However, it remains unclear whether these factors can predict competitive success. This paper aims to assess, through discriminant analysis, the predictive capacity of these psychobiological variables regarding the likelihood of winning, ultimately delineating a psychophysiological profile associated with success. Across three distinct studies, a total of 154 participants (66 men) engaged in a face-to-face laboratory competition. Prior to the competition, assessments of competitiveness traits, anxiety, self-efficacy, and motivation were conducted, and heart rate reactivity during the competition was measured. These variables collectively formed the basis for constructing the predictive model. The results of the initial study demonstrated that our model accurately classified 68.8% of the cases. Specifically, high levels of competitiveness, self-efficacy, motivation, and heart rate reactivity, coupled with low anxiety, were predictive of winning. These findings were subsequently replicated in two independent validation samples involving both men and women (studies 2 and 3), thereby reinforcing the robustness of the earlier results. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the psychological state preceding competition, along with cardiovascular reactivity, may serve as predictors for the probability of winning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Costa
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (R.C.); (D.A.-T.); (A.S.)
| | - Diana Abad-Tortosa
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (R.C.); (D.A.-T.); (A.S.)
| | - Adrian Alacreu-Crespo
- Departamento de Psicología y Sociología, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Elena Saiz-Clar
- Departamento de Metodología, Universitat Nacional a Distancia (UNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Alicia Salvador
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (R.C.); (D.A.-T.); (A.S.)
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience and IDOCAL, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Spanish National Network for Research in Mental Health CIBERSAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Serrano
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (R.C.); (D.A.-T.); (A.S.)
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6
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Hormone and enzyme reactivity before, during, and after a music performance: Cortisol, testosterone, and alpha-amylase. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 9:100111. [PMID: 35755925 PMCID: PMC9216250 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2022.100111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Performance anxiety is common in a wide range of settings. This study was designed to explore the hormonal correlates of a music performance recital – a setting commonly associated with extreme and often unsettling anxiety linked to the anticipation of performing. Thirty-nine college undergraduate participants (24 women and 15 men) were recruited from students enrolled in an undergraduate music performance course. Each gave a saliva sample on a neutral non-performance day and gave additional samples immediately before and 10 and 30-min after each of two solo music recitals. Samples were subsequently assayed for cortisol, alpha-amylase, and testosterone. For women, pre-performance salivary cortisol levels were significantly elevated relative to neutral-day baseline (presumably in anticipation of performing) and continued to rise in association with the performance phase of the recital. Pre-performance alpha-amylase was significantly higher than neutral-day baseline. Testosterone increased in connection with the performance phase of the recital, but not during the anticipation phase. For all three products, patterns for men were generally similar to those for women, though not as statistically robust, perhaps owing to the smaller sample size. Increases in cortisol and alpha-amylase, from neutral-day to immediately pre-performance on recital day, suggest an effect related to the psychological anticipation of the recital. Cortisol and testosterone (but not alpha-amylase) increased in association with the performance phase of the recital. Phase-related changes in these products appears to reflect a coordinated response to the stress of a music recital and perhaps, more generally, to social-evaluative threat. Salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase, and testosterone increase in association with a music recital. Cortisol and alpha-amylase increase in anticipation of the performance phase. Cortisol and testosterone increase during the performance phase. Cortisol/Testosterone coupling increases testosterone reactivity in this setting.
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7
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Naughton M, McLean S, Scott TJ, Weaving D, Solomon C. Quantifying Fatigue in the Rugby Codes: The Interplay Between Collision Characteristics and Neuromuscular Performance, Biochemical Measures, and Self-Reported Assessments of Fatigue. Front Physiol 2021; 12:711634. [PMID: 34776996 PMCID: PMC8586499 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.711634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Locomotor and collision actions that rugby players complete during match-play often lead to substantial fatigue, and in turn, delays in recovery. The methods used to quantify post-match fatigue and recovery can be categorised as subjective and objective, with match-related collision characteristics thought to have a primary role in modulating these recovery measures. The aim of this review was to (1) evaluate how post-match recovery has been quantified in the rugby football codes (i.e., rugby league, rugby union, and rugby sevens), (2) to explore the time-course of commonly used measures of fatigue post-match, and (3) to investigate the relationships between game-related collisions and fatigue metrics. The available evidence suggests that upper-, and lower-body neuromuscular performance are negatively affected, and biomarkers of muscular damage and inflammation increase in the hours and days following match-play, with the largest differences being at 12–36 h post-match. The magnitude of such responses varies within and between neuromuscular performance (Δ ≤ 36%, n = 13 studies) and tissue biomarker (Δ ≤ 585%, n = 18 studies) measures, but nevertheless appears strongly related to collision frequency and intensity. Likewise, the increase in perceived soreness in the hours and days post-match strongly correlate to collision characteristics across the rugby football codes. Within these findings, there are specific differences in positional groups and recovery trajectories between the codes which relate to athlete characteristics, and/or locomotor and collision characteristics. Finally, based on these findings, we offer a conceptual model of fatigue which details the multidimensional latent structure of the load to fatigue relationship contextualised to rugby. Research to date has been limited to univariate associations to explore relationships between collision characteristics and recovery, and multivariate methods are necessary and recommended to account for the latent structures of match-play external load and post-match fatigue constructs. Practitioners should be aware of the typical time windows of fatigue recovery and utilise both subjective and objective metrics to holistically quantify post-match recovery in rugby.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Naughton
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott McLean
- Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Tannath J Scott
- New South Wales Rugby League, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, Australia.,Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Dan Weaving
- Carnegie Applied Rugby Research Centre, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, United Kingdom.,Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Colin Solomon
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
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8
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Ponzi D, Dadomo H, Filonzi L, Palanza P, Pelosi A, Ceresini G, Parmigiani S, Marzano FN. Cortisol, Temperament and Serotonin in Karate Combats: An Evolutionary Psychobiological Perspective. ADAPTIVE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40750-021-00178-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
There is evidence suggesting that in martial arts competitions athletes characterized by higher anxiety and harm avoidance may be more likely to lose a fight. This psychological profile has been hypothesized to explain in part the observation that cortisol is higher in losers before and in response to a competition. An important research target that needs further exploration is the identification of phenotypic traits that can be helpful in predicting athletes’ performance. Here we present a brief description of the theoretical bases that drives our research in the evolutionary psychobiology of sports and illustrate preliminary data on the relationship between the 5HTTLPR genotype, salivary cortisol, temperament and competition.
Methods
Sixty-five healthy male non-professional athletes provided saliva samples 10 min before and after a kumite session and filled out the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire.
Results
Salivary cortisol levels 10 min before the competition were higher in losers and in athletes with the S allele. Temperament was associated with competition outcome and cortisol: losers were characterized by higher scores of harm avoidance and harm avoidance was positively correlated with cortisol levels.
Conclusions
The results confirm previous findings linking temperamental traits, pre-and post- competition physiological stress response with competition outcome in kumite fight. Moreover, they indicate an association between the 5HTTLPR polymorphism and pre-competition salivary cortisol, thus providing a preliminary but non-conclusive evidence on the role played by the 5HTTLPR genotype as a vulnerability factor in sport competition.
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Behnke M, Hase A, Kaczmarek LD, Freeman P. Blunted cardiovascular reactivity may serve as an index of psychological task disengagement in the motivated performance situations. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18083. [PMID: 34508160 PMCID: PMC8433313 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97670-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Challenge and threat models predict that once individuals become engaged with performance, their evaluations and cardiovascular response determine further outcomes. Although the role of challenge and threat in predicting performance has been extensively tested, few studies have focused on task engagement. We aimed to investigate task engagement in performance at the psychological and physiological levels. We accounted for physiological task engagement by examining blunted cardiovascular reactivity, the third possible cardiovascular response to performance, in addition to the challenge/threat responses. We expected that low psychological task engagement would be related to blunted cardiovascular reactivity during the performance. Gamers (N = 241) completed five matches of the soccer video game FIFA 19. We recorded psychological task engagement, heart rate reactivity, and the difference between goals scored and conceded. Lower psychological task engagement was related to blunted heart rate reactivity during the performance. Furthermore, poorer performance in the previous game was related to increased task engagement in the subsequent match. The findings extend existing literature by providing initial evidence that blunted cardiovascular reactivity may serve as the index of low task engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Behnke
- Faculty of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Adam Mickiewicz University, 60-568, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Adrian Hase
- Department of Medicine, Université de Fribourg, 1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Lukasz D Kaczmarek
- Faculty of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Adam Mickiewicz University, 60-568, Poznan, Poland
| | - Paul Freeman
- School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, University of Essex, Essex, CO4 3SQ, UK
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10
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La Fratta I, Franceschelli S, Speranza L, Patruno A, Michetti C, D'Ercole P, Ballerini P, Grilli A, Pesce M. Salivary oxytocin, cognitive anxiety and self-confidence in pre-competition athletes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16877. [PMID: 34413428 PMCID: PMC8376920 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96392-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well known that soccer sport has the potential for high levels of stress and anxiety and that these are linked to Cortisol (C) variations. To date, much research has been devoted to understanding how Oxytocin (OT) can affect anxiety in response to a challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate, in 56 young male soccer players, the psychophysiological stress response 96 and 24 h before one soccer match of a tournament, in order to establish whether athletes who won or lost, show different levels of C and OT or expressions of competitive state anxiety subcomponents. We found that winners had significantly lower Cognitive anxiety and higher Self-confidence scores than losers. Also, significant differences between winners and losers in C and OT concentrations were observed, with higher OT levels in who has won and higher C levels in who has lost. Our results showed interesting associations between OT, C, anxiety feelings, and the outcome of competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene La Fratta
- Medicine and Health Science School, University G. d'Annunzio, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Sara Franceschelli
- Medicine and Health Science School, University G. d'Annunzio, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Lorenza Speranza
- Medicine and Health Science School, University G. d'Annunzio, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Antonia Patruno
- Medicine and Health Science School, University G. d'Annunzio, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Carlo Michetti
- Medicine and Health Science School, University G. d'Annunzio, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Paolo D'Ercole
- Medicine and Health Science School, University G. d'Annunzio, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Patrizia Ballerini
- Medicine and Health Science School, University G. d'Annunzio, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Alfredo Grilli
- Medicine and Health Science School, University G. d'Annunzio, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Mirko Pesce
- Medicine and Health Science School, University G. d'Annunzio, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy
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11
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Pozharliev R, Verbeke W, De Angelis M, Van Den Bos R, Peverini P. Consumer self-reported and testosterone responses to advertising of luxury goods in social context. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF MARKETING 2021. [PMCID: PMC8059690 DOI: 10.1007/s43039-021-00023-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite the growing demand for luxury goods, there is limited understanding about how consumers respond to luxury-goods advertising and how viewing advertising in different social contexts affects these responses. This study investigates the link between luxury goods advertising and expected utility from a biological perspective by looking at males’ hormonal responses to advertising of luxury versus non-luxury branded goods. Using traditional and consumer neuroscience methods, we collected salivary testosterone data pre- and post-ad viewing. Self-reported scores on social and quality value of the brands were compared to salivary testosterone levels from participants placed in different social conditions (Alone versus Together with another person). The results show that higher post-viewing testosterone levels were associated with higher scores on quality, but not on social value and only for branded goods viewed in the Together condition, compared to the Alone condition. These results suggest that changes in testosterone levels reflect a rewarding experience or activate social competitiveness when male consumers appraise the quality but not the social value of the advertised luxury goods and that social context modulates this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Willem Verbeke
- Erasmus School of Economics, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ruud Van Den Bos
- Radboud University, Comeniuslaan 4, 6525 HP Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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12
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Vilella‐Pacheco Z, Mitchem LD, Formica VA, Brodie ED. Male competition reverses female preference for male chemical cues. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:4532-4541. [PMID: 33976828 PMCID: PMC8093714 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Females must choose among potential mates with different phenotypes in a variety of social contexts. Many male traits are inherent and unchanging, but others are labile to social context. Competition, for example, can cause physiological changes that reflect recent wins and losses that fluctuate throughout time. We may expect females to respond differently to males depending on the outcome of their most recent fight. In Bolitotherus cornutus (forked fungus beetles), males compete for access to females, but copulation requires female cooperation. In this study, we use behavioral trials to determine whether females use chemical cues to differentiate between males and whether the outcome of recent male competition alters female preference. We measured female association time with chemical cues of two size-matched males both before and after male-male competition. Females in our study preferred to associate with future losers before males interacted, but changed their preference for realized winners following male competitive interactions. Our study provides the first evidence of change in female preference based solely on the outcome of male-male competition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa D. Mitchem
- Mountain Lake Biological Station and Department of BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVAUSA
| | | | - Edmund D. Brodie
- Mountain Lake Biological Station and Department of BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVAUSA
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Lautenbach F, Löffler J, Jeraj D, Musculus L. High Fives: Effekte auf psychophysiologische Parameter und sportliche Leistung. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR SPORTPSYCHOLOGIE 2021. [DOI: 10.1026/1612-5010/a000334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung. High- und Low-Fives stellen im Sport verbreitete aber unerforschte Phänomene dar. Ziel der Studie ist es, den bislang unklaren Einfluss auf psychophysiologische, soziale und leistungsrelevante Parameter zu untersuchen. In einem Innersubjektdesign nahmen 23 tischtennisaffine Dyaden teil. Vor und nach den Bewegungsmanipulationen (High-Fives alleine; High-Fives mit Partner_in; Low-Fives alleine; Low-Fives mit Partner_in; Kontrollbedingung) gaben Versuchspersonen Auskunft über Motivation, Macht, Affekt und wahrgenommene Nähe zum/zur Partner_in. Ebenfalls gaben sie Speichel zur Erfassung von Cortisol ab. Anschließend wurde die Aufschlagleistung im Tischtennis erhoben. Ergebnisse zeigten weder Unterschiede in der Veränderung der psychophysiologischen Parameter noch in der Leistung zwischen den Bedingungen. Lediglich die wahrgenommene Nähe stieg in den Bedingungen mit Partner_in an. Die Ergebnisse widersprechen den Theorien des Embodiments, was hinsichtlich der unnatürlichen Bewegungsausführung diskutiert wird. Allerdings sind unsere Ergebnisse im Einklang mit Theorien über die Funktionen von Berührungen und zeigen erstmalig für den sportlichen Kontext, dass High- und Low-Fives einen positiven Effekt auf soziale Strukturen haben.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Lautenbach
- Psychologisches Institut, Abt. Leistungspsychologie, Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln
- Institut für Sportpsychologie und Sportpädagogik, Universität Leipzig
- Institut für Sportwissenschaft, Sportpsychologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
| | - Jonna Löffler
- Psychologisches Institut, Abt. Leistungspsychologie, Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln
| | - Damian Jeraj
- Psychologisches Institut, Abt. Leistungspsychologie, Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln
- Institut für Bewegungs- und Trainingswissenschaft der Sportarten I, Universität Leipzig
| | - Lisa Musculus
- Psychologisches Institut, Abt. Leistungspsychologie, Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln
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The Role of Experience, Perceived Match Importance, and Anxiety on Cortisol Response in an Official Esports Competition. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18062893. [PMID: 33808997 PMCID: PMC8000917 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18062893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to analyse the neuroendocrine stress response, psychological anxiety response, and perceived match importance (PMI) between expert and non-expert control gamers in an official competitive context. We analyzed, in 25 expert esports players and 20 control participants, modifications in their somatic anxiety, cognitive anxiety, self-confidence, PMI, and cortisol in a League of Legends competition. We found how expert esports players presented higher cortisol concentrations (Z = 155.5; p = 0.03; Cohen’s d = −0.66), cognitive anxiety (Z = 99.5; p = 0.001), and PMI (Z = 50.5; p < 0.001) before the competition than non-experts participants. We found a greater statistical weight in the cognitive variables than in the physiological ones. The results obtained suggest that real competitive context and player’s expertise were factors associated with an anticipatory stress response. The PMI proved to be a differentiating variable between both groups, highlighting the necessity to include subjective variables that contrast objective measurements.
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15
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Post-Encoding Stress Does Not Enhance Memory Consolidation: The Role of Cortisol and Testosterone Reactivity. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10120995. [PMID: 33339431 PMCID: PMC7766306 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10120995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to the large body of research on the effects of stress-induced cortisol on memory consolidation in young people, far less attention has been devoted to understanding the effects of stress-induced testosterone on this memory phase. This study examined the psychobiological (i.e., anxiety, cortisol, and testosterone) response to the Maastricht Acute Stress Test and its impact on free recall and recognition for emotional and neutral material. Thirty-seven healthy young men and women were exposed to a stress (MAST) or control task post-encoding, and 24 h later, they had to recall the material previously learned. Results indicated that the MAST increased anxiety and cortisol levels, but it did not significantly change the testosterone levels. Post-encoding MAST did not affect memory consolidation for emotional and neutral pictures. Interestingly, however, cortisol reactivity was negatively related to free recall for negative low-arousal pictures, whereas testosterone reactivity was positively related to free recall for negative-high arousal and total pictures. This study provides preliminary evidence about a different reactivity of testosterone and cortisol to the MAST as well as on their effects on consolidation. Our results suggest a different pattern of relationships between these steroid hormones and the arousal of the negative images.
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16
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Redondo-Flórez L, Fernández-Lucas J, Clemente-Suárez VJ. Cultural Differences in Stress-Related Psychological, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Oral Health Factors of Professors. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12123644. [PMID: 33260820 PMCID: PMC7760793 DOI: 10.3390/nu12123644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
With the aim to explore cultural differences in stress-related psychological, nutrition, physical activity, and oral health factors between Spanish and Latin American professors, we analysed stress-related factors in 598 professors (39.9% male, 60.1% female, 41.3 ± 9.8 years) by a collection of questionnaires, which involved psychological, nutritional, physical activity and oral health items. Results showed how Spanish professors presented significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher scores than Latin American professors in perceived stress (Spanish: 21.40 ± 4.32 vs. Latin American: 20.36 ± 4.31), teaching stress (Spanish: 6.59 ± 2.28 vs. Latin American: 6.00 ± 2.99) and neuroticism (Spanish: 5.40 ± 2.10 vs. Latin American: 4.58 ± 1.72). Spanish professors also showed healthier nutritional and physical activity habits than their Latin American counterparts, presenting higher consumption of milk products and a higher numbers of meals per day, greater weekly meat and fish consumption and higher weekly resistance training, as well as less eating between hours and snacking consumption. Nevertheless, Spanish professors brushed their teeth less and showed a higher smoking habit than Latin American professors. We concluded that there were cultural differences between Spanish and Latin American professors. In the present research, Spanish professors showed significantly higher burnout levels, teaching stress, perceived stress, and neuroticism than Latin American professors, and several differences were also found around health behaviours. These differences in perceived stress, teaching stress and burnout syndrome may be due to the habituation process of Latin American professors, and probably are associated with a higher stressful and demanding socio-cultural context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jesús Fernández-Lucas
- Applied Biotechnology Group, Biomedical Science School, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain;
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, GICNEX, Universidad de la Costa, CUC, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
| | - Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
- Grupo de Investigación en Cultura, Educación y Sociedad, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +34-911-413-585
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17
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Pulopulos MM, Schmausser M, De Smet S, Vanderhasselt MA, Baliyan S, Venero C, Baeken C, De Raedt R. The effect of HF-rTMS over the left DLPFC on stress regulation as measured by cortisol and heart rate variability. Horm Behav 2020; 124:104803. [PMID: 32526225 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex, and especially the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC), plays an inhibitory role in the regulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis under stressful situations. Moreover, recent evidence suggests that a sustained DLPFC activation is associated with adaptive stress regulation in anticipation of a stressful event, leading to a reduced stress-induced amygdala response, and facilitating the confrontation with the stressor. However, studies using experimental manipulation of the activity of the DLPFC before a stressor are scarce, and more research is needed to understand the specific role of this brain area in the stress-induced physiological response. This pre-registered study investigated the effect on stress regulation of a single excitatory high frequency (versus sham) repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) session over the left DLPFC applied before the Trier Social Stress Test in 75 healthy young women (M = 21.05, SD = 2.60). Heart rate variability (HRV) and salivary cortisol were assessed throughout the experimental protocol. The active HF-rTMS and the sham group showed a similar cognitive appraisal of the stress task. No differences in HRV were observed during both the anticipation and the actual confrontation with the stress task and therefore, our results did not reflect DLPFC-related adaptive anticipatory adjustments. Importantly, participants in the active HF-rTMS group showed a lower cortisol response to stress. The effect of left prefrontal HF-rTMS on the stress system provides further critical experimental evidence for the inhibitory role played by the DLPFC in the regulation of the HPA axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matias M Pulopulos
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium.
| | - Maximilian Schmausser
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Stefanie De Smet
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Belgium; Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Belgium
| | - Marie-Anne Vanderhasselt
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium; Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Belgium; Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Belgium
| | - Shishir Baliyan
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Spain
| | - César Venero
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Spain
| | - Chris Baeken
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Belgium; Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Belgium; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Brussels (UZBrussel), Belgium; Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlands
| | - Rudi De Raedt
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium
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18
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McHale TS, Gray PB, Hodges-Simeon CR, Zava DT, Albert G, Chan KC, Chee WC. Juvenile Children’s Salivary Aldosterone and Cortisone Decrease during Informal Math and Table-Tennis Competitions. ADAPTIVE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40750-020-00146-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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19
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Fialová J, Třebický V, Kuba R, Stella D, Binter J, Havlíček J. Losing stinks! The effect of competition outcome on body odour quality. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190267. [PMID: 32306874 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dominance hierarchy is often established via repeated agonistic encounters where consistent winners are considered dominant. Human body odour contains cues to psychological dominance and competition, but it is not known whether competition outcome (a marker of a change in dominance hierarchy) affects the hedonic quality of human axillary odour. Therefore, we investigated the effect of winning and losing on odour quality. We collected odour samples from Mixed Martial Arts fighters approximately 1 h before and immediately after a match. Raters then assessed samples for pleasantness, attractiveness, masculinity and intensity. We also obtained data on donors' affective state and cortisol and testosterone levels, since these are known to be associated with competition and body odour quality. Perceived body odour pleasantness, attractiveness and intensity significantly decreased while masculinity increased after a match irrespective of the outcome. Nonetheless, losing a match affected the pleasantness of body odour more profoundly, though bordering formal level of significance. Moreover, a path analysis revealed that match loss led to a decrease in odour attractiveness, which was mediated by participants' negative affective states. Our study suggests that physical competition and to some extent also its outcome affect the perceived quality of human body odour in specific real-life settings, thus providing cues to dominance-related characteristics. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Olfactory communication in humans'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitka Fialová
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague 128 43, Czech Republic.,National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, Klecany 250 67, Czech Republic
| | - Vít Třebický
- National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, Klecany 250 67, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, José Martího 31, Prague 162 52, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Kuba
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague 128 43, Czech Republic
| | - David Stella
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague 128 43, Czech Republic.,National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, Klecany 250 67, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Binter
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague 128 43, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Havlíček
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, Prague 128 43, Czech Republic.,National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, Klecany 250 67, Czech Republic
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20
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Challenging the Top Player: A Preliminary Study on Testosterone Response to An Official Chess Tournament. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17041204. [PMID: 32069979 PMCID: PMC7068374 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
According to the Challenge Hypothesis, high levels of testosterone (T) are associated with status-seeking behaviors, especially in competitive situations. However, there have not been many studies about rivals' social status and pre-competition neuroendocrine responses. The aim of this study was to analyze whether the participants in a chess tournament showed different pre-match testosterone and cortisol levels depending on differences in ELO (i.e., the International Chess Federation rating to rank the competitive potential and social status between players). The sample was six male participants (mean ± SD) aged 25.5 ± 8.4 years with experience in official tournaments of 16.33 ± 5.72 years and an average ELO rating of 2217.67 ± 112.67. Saliva samples were collected before each round for hormonal determination when participants competed against a rival with a different ELO rating. After five competition rounds per participant, higher rival pre-competition T concentrations were shown when playing against the best-rated participant, but there were no differences in cortisol (C). The multilevel model confirmed rises in rivals' precompetitive T levels modulated by the difference in the opponent´s ELO rating. No significant changes were observed in C. The results suggest that the rival´s status can determine the opponent´s anticipatory neuroendocrine responses to an official chess tournament.
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21
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Pulopulos MM, Baeken C, De Raedt R. Cortisol response to stress: The role of expectancy and anticipatory stress regulation. Horm Behav 2020; 117:104587. [PMID: 31639385 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
An exacerbated physiological response to stress is associated with the development of stress-related disorders (e.g., depression and anxiety disorders). Recently, it has been proposed that individuals with high expectancies of being able to deal with stressful situations will activate regulatory mechanisms during the anticipation of the stressful event that would improve stress regulation. To test this hypothesis, 52 women in young adulthood (M = 21.06; SD = 2.58) anticipated and performed a laboratory-based stress task after receiving positive or negative bogus feedback on their abilities to deal with stressful events. Heart rate variability and salivary cortisol were assessed throughout the experimental protocol. Participants receiving positive bogus feedback (i.e., High Expectancy group) showed a more positive anticipatory cognitive stress appraisal (i.e., they anticipated the stress task as less threatening/challenging, and they perceived that they were more able to deal with it), and they showed a lower cortisol response to stress. Moreover, a more positive anticipatory cognitive stress appraisal was associated with better anticipatory stress regulation (indexed as less decrease in heart rate variability), leading to a lower cortisol response. Our results indicate that people with positive expectancy initiate mechanisms of anticipatory stress regulation that enhance the regulation of the physiological stress response. Expectancy and anticipatory stress regulation may be key mechanisms in the development and treatment of stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matias M Pulopulos
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Chris Baeken
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital (UZBrussel), Brussels, Belgium; Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Rudi De Raedt
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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22
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van der Meij L, Demetriou A, Tulin M, Méndez I, Dekker P, Pronk T. Hormones in speed-dating: The role of testosterone and cortisol in attraction. Horm Behav 2019; 116:104555. [PMID: 31348926 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence that testosterone and cortisol levels are related to the attraction of a romantic partner; testosterone levels relate to a wide range of sexual behaviors and cortisol is a crucial component in the response to stress. To investigate this, we conducted a speed-dating study among heterosexual singles. We measured salivary testosterone and cortisol changes in men and women (n = 79) when they participated in a romantic condition (meeting opposite-sex others, i.e., potential romantic partners), as well as a control condition (meeting same-sex others, i.e., potential friends). Over the course of the romantic speed-dating event, results showed that women's but not men's testosterone levels increased and cortisol levels decreased for both men and women. These findings indicate that men's testosterone and cortisol levels were elevated in anticipation of the event, whereas for women, this appears to only be the case for cortisol. Concerning the relationship between attraction and hormonal change, four important findings can be distinguished. First, men were more popular when they arrived at the romantic speed-dating event with elevated cortisol levels. Second, in both men and women, a larger change in cortisol levels during romantic speed-dating was related to more selectivity. Third, testosterone alone was unrelated to any romantic speed-dating outcome (selectivity or popularity). However, fourth, women who arrived at the romantic speed-dating event with higher testosterone levels were more selective when their anticipatory cortisol response was low. Overall, our findings suggest that changes in the hormone cortisol may be stronger associated with the attraction of a romantic partner than testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leander van der Meij
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Marina Tulin
- Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ileana Méndez
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Dekker
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tila Pronk
- Department of Social Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
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23
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Hormonal and emotional responses to competition using a dyadic approach: Basal testosterone predicts emotional state after a defeat. Physiol Behav 2019; 206:106-117. [PMID: 30928410 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study analyzes the testosterone (T), cortisol (C) and emotional response in competitive interactions between dyads, as well as the relationship between basal T and the emotional response. Seventy-two men and women (36 dyads) participated in same-sex dyads in a face-to-face laboratory competition, and thirty-two men and women (16 dyads) carried out the same task in a non-competitive condition. Salivary samples (5 ml of saliva, plastic vials) were provided at three time points (baseline, task, and post-task), and subsequently T (pg/ml) and C (nmol/L) concentrations were measured using ELISA method. Participants completed self-reported measures of emotional valence, emotional arousal and perceived dominance by means of the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM), at three time points (pre-task, task, and post-task). Two-level crossed Multilevel Models (MLM) showed a participants' stability in C (Mean ± SEM: baseline: 3.84 ± 0.28, task: 2.92 ± 0.28 and post-task: 2.62 ± 0.3), emotional valence (pre-task: 4 ± 0.06, task: 3.66 ± 0.1 and post-task: 3.84 ± 0.09), arousal (pre-task: 3.29 ± 0.09, task: 3.83 ± 0.09 and post-task: 3.38 ± 0.1) and dominance (pre-task: 3.28 ± 0.08, task: 3.4 ± 0.1 and post-task: 3.44 ± 0.09) values, which in the case of emotional valence and dominance was modulated by time-point, outcome and sex. Furthermore, analyses revealed that opponents' C, arousal and dominance values at one time-point influenced participants' values at the following time-point modulated by outcome, sex and time-point. Moreover, MLM indicated that in loser men, individuals higher in basal T (126.31 ± 6.4) displayed higher negative emotional valence after the defeat (post-task: 3.6 ± 0.21), while in women basal T (99.78 ± 12.6) was not significantly related to post competition emotional valence. These findings reinforce the importance of studying the relationship between hormonal and psychological changes in dyadic competition, and confirm that men and women differ in their psychophysiological responses to competition.
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24
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Physical activity as an adjunct treatment for erectile dysfunction. Nat Rev Urol 2019; 16:553-562. [PMID: 31239541 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-019-0210-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Increasing data are available to suggest that physical activity and lifestyle modification in general can benefit erectile function, with effect sizes comparable with established treatment options such as testosterone therapy and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Despite this evidence, primary-care physicians are rarely afforded critical information on the underlying mechanisms through which physical activity works as a treatment, severely hampering treatment credibility for both physician and patient. Physical activity is associated with psychological and metabolic adaptations that are compatible with the adaptations required for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). These adaptations include increased expression and activity of nitric oxide synthase, strengthened endothelial function, acute rises in testosterone, decreased stress and anxiety, and improved body image. Use of physical activity as a first-line treatment option for ED is limited, and explicit physical activity guidelines for the treatment of ED are required. Such guidelines should include not only a suggested exercise programme but also guidelines for physician-patient communication that might enhance patient receptivity and therapy continuation. An understanding of how physical activity affects erectile function, as well as its effectiveness in treating ED compared with other established treatments, can benefit urologists and primary-care physicians searching for noninvasive treatment options for men presenting with poor erectile function.
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25
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Koundourakis NE, Margioris AN. The complex and bidirectional interaction between sex hormones and exercise performance in team sports with emphasis on soccer. Hormones (Athens) 2019; 18:151-172. [PMID: 31256350 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-019-00115-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
A constant topic reported in the lay press is the effect of sex hormones on athletic performance and their abuse by athletes in their effort to enhance their performance or to either boost or sidestep their hard, protracted, and demanding training regimens. However, an issue that it is almost never mentioned is that the athletic training itself affects the endogenous production of androgens and estrogens, while also being affected by them. Among sports, soccer is a particularly demanding activity, soccer players needing to possess high levels of endurance, strength, and both aerobic and anaerobic capacity, with the very great physiological, metabolic, physical, and psychological exertion required of the players being both influenced by sex steroids and, reciprocally, affecting sex steroid levels. This review focuses on the currently available knowledge regarding the complex relationship between athletic training and competition and sex steroid hormone adaptation to the demands of the exercise effort. In the first part of the review, we will examine the effects of endogenous testosterone, estrogen, and adrenal androgens on athletic performance both during training and in competition. In the second part, we will explore the reciprocal effects of exercise on the endogenous sex hormones while briefly discussing the recent data on anabolic androgenic steroid abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos E Koundourakis
- Lab of Clinical Chemistry-Biochemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
| | - Andrew N Margioris
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Rossi A, Grasso-Cladera A, Luarte N, Riillo A, Parada FJ. The brain/body-in-the-world system is cognitive science’s study object for the twenty-first century / El sistema cerebro/cuerpo-en-el-mundo es el objeto de estudio de la ciencia cognitiva en el siglo XXI. STUDIES IN PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/02109395.2019.1596704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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Alacreu‐Crespo A, Costa R, Abad‐Tortosa D, Hidalgo V, Salvador A, Serrano MÁ. Hormonal changes after competition predict sex‐differentiated decision‐making. JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL DECISION MAKING 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/bdm.2128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Alacreu‐Crespo
- Department of PsychobiologyUniversity of Valencia Valencia Spain
- Department of Emergency Psychiatry and Post‐Acute CareCHU Montpellier Montpellier France
- Neuropsychiatry, Epidemiological and Clinical Research, INSERMUniversity of Montpellier Montpellier France
| | - Raquel Costa
- Department of PsychobiologyUniversity of Valencia Valencia Spain
| | | | - Vanesa Hidalgo
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, IDOCALUniversity of Valencia Valencia Spain
- Aragon Health Research Institute, Department of Psychology and Sociology, Area of PsychobiologyUniversity of Zaragoza Teruel Spain
| | - Alicia Salvador
- Department of PsychobiologyUniversity of Valencia Valencia Spain
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, IDOCALUniversity of Valencia Valencia Spain
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Give Me Five? Examining the Psychophysiological Effects of High-Fives in Athletes. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2019; 44:211-219. [PMID: 30980218 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-019-09435-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
High-fives are a phenomenon that is frequently observed in sports. However, investigations on effects of high-fives are missing. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine psychophysiological effects of high-fives. From an embodied cognition perspective, dynamic, upward movements compared to downward movements should activate positive concepts that are represented by psychological as well as physiological states. Thirty-four athletes performed high- and low-fives (dynamic movements) as opposed to high and low static postures (control conditions) in a double-blind, within-subject design. Psychological states (i.e., feeling motivated, feeling strong) and physiological changes (i.e., cortisol, testosterone) due to the manipulation were measured. Results showed the predicted significant interaction effect for cortisol changes, but not for the other psychological (i.e., feeling motivated, feeling strong) and physiological (testosterone) state measures. In detail, a decrease in cortisol was found after athletes performed high-fives compared to low-fives. The observed effect on cortisol should be considered with caution and needs to be replicated, however, might add information to the current discussion about the crucial relevance of movement for embodied cognition effects. Future research could investigate the effects of high-fives with a partner and add performance parameters to provide more information on the effects of high-fives on performance in sport.
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Sariñana-González P, Romero-Martínez Á, Moya-Albiol L. Cooperation Between Strangers in Face-to-Face Dyads Produces More Cardiovascular Activation Than Competition or Working Alone. J PSYCHOPHYSIOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1027/0269-8803/a000210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Individual and shared goals can be achieved through social interpersonal interaction, cooperation and competition being two different yet similar strategies to reach such aims and objectives. Nevertheless, there is a gap in the literature analyzing the effect of these types of social interactions, especially in cooperation, on autonomic nervous system responses using noninvasive measures, such as heart rate (HR). The regulation of HR and other cardiovascular variables of the central nervous system offers information about how to encourage or discourage social engagement and prosocial behaviors. In fact, a more flexible engagement with the environment and efficient emotions regulation is enabled by an efficient cardiac control. Hence, the main aim of this study was to investigate heart rate variability (HRV) in strangers (180 healthy young participants) who were set to cooperate or compete in face-to-face dyads (between same-gender participants) or to work alone (as the control condition), considering outcomes in these tasks (positive or negative) and gender as moderating variables. We found that participants who cooperated had higher HRs and lower high frequency (HF) HRV than those who competed and/or worked alone. Regarding gender and outcome, men who cooperate and lose have lower HF-HRV levels than men on the simple task with negative outcomes. Hence, our study indicates that cooperation between strangers in face-to-face dyads may produce less parasympathetic activation than competition or working on the task without any social interaction. Research in this field may help us understand the psychophysiological basis of social interaction, providing an opportunity to establish interaction strategies that would be physiologically desirable, in order to promote well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luis Moya-Albiol
- Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia, Spain
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Kordsmeyer TL, Penke L. Effects of male testosterone and its interaction with cortisol on self- and observer-rated personality states in a competitive mating context. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Yamaguchi D, Tezuka Y, Suzuki N. The Differences Between Winners and Losers in Competition: the Relation of Cognitive and Emotional Aspects During a Competition to Hemodynamic Responses. ADAPTIVE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND PHYSIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40750-018-0104-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Alacreu-Crespo A, Costa R, Abad-Tortosa D, Salvador A, Serrano MÁ. Good decision-making is associated with an adaptive cardiovascular response to social competitive stress. Stress 2018; 21:528-537. [PMID: 29932804 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2018.1483329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Competition elicits different psychological and cardiovascular responses depending on a person's skills. Decision-making has been considered a distal factor that influences competition, but there are no studies analyzing this relationship. Our objective was to analyze whether decision-making affects the response to competition. Specifically, we aimed to test whether good performers on a decision-making test, the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), showed an adaptive cardiovascular response to competition. In all, 116 participants (44 women) performed the IGT and were classified into Good or Poor decision-makers. Subsequently, they were exposed to a stress task in two different conditions: a face-to-face competition (winners/losers) or a control condition, while an electrocardiogram was recorded. In the competition group, good decision-makers increased their high-frequency respect to the total heart rate variability (HF/HRV) levels during the task, compared to Poor decision-makers. Again, competition group good decision-makers, showed lower LF and higher HF/HRV reactivity than the control group, which represents lower HRV stress pattern. Moreover, in the group of losers, good decision-makers had a decline in low frequency (LF) during the task and faster recovery than poor decision-makers. In conclusion, good decision-makers have a more adaptive stress response and higher levels of mental effort, based on total HRV interpretation. Decision-making skills could be a factor in a more adaptive cardiovascular response to competition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raquel Costa
- Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Alicia Salvador
- Laboratory of Cognitive Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology and IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Verbeke WJ, Belschak F, Ein-Dor T, Bagozzi RP, Schippers M. Exploring the Effect of Attachment Styles and Winning or Losing a Status Contest on Testosterone Levels. Front Psychol 2018; 9:1051. [PMID: 30065672 PMCID: PMC6056749 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A person’s ability to form relationships and seek and attain social status affects their chances of survival. We study how anxious and avoidant-attachment styles and subsequent winning or losing affects the testosterone (T) levels of team members playing two status contests. The first is a management game played by teams striving to earn the most profits. Winners and losers emerge due to the cognitive endeavor of the players, which provokes intense status dynamics. Avoidant-attached winners do not show higher T levels whereas anxious-attached winners do. The second is an economic game which is rigged and favors some teams to become richer than others; teams have the option though to trade with each other and reduce the self-perpetuating rich-poor dynamics embedded in the game. Besides attachment styles, we here also explore how authentic pride as a self-conscious emotion affects team members’ T levels as players trade with others to create more fairness. As in the first status contest, players’ T levels are not significantly affected by their avoidant attachment style, neither as a main effect nor in interaction with winning or losing the game. However, similar to the first game, players’ anxious attachment style affects their T levels: anxious-attached players generate significantly higher T levels when winning the game, but only when experiencing high authentic pride during the game. In short, the moderating effects of attachment style on winners’ T levels are partly replicated in both status games which allows us to better understand the functioning of working models of attachment styles during and after status contests and gives us a better understanding of working models of attachment styles in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem J Verbeke
- Erasmus School of Economics, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Frank Belschak
- School of Economics and Management, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Richard P Bagozzi
- Stephen M. Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Michaéla Schippers
- Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Cortisol Predicts Performance During Competition: Preliminary Results of a Field Study with Elite Adolescent Taekwondo Athletes. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2018; 43:275-280. [PMID: 30054758 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-018-9406-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Competitive taekwondo composes a high stress situation leading to an increase in the stress hormone cortisol. Little is known about cortisol's relation to outcome (winning vs. losing) and performance in taekwondo. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate cortisol relation to outcome, performance and whether cortisol can predict performance during a competition. Twenty taekwondo combatants (13 males; Mage = 15) provided four salivary samples (C1: 30 min prior, C2: during, C3: after, and C4: 30 min after competition) during an international competition. Total points made in the two rounds during their first fight were used as a performance indicator. Results show no difference in cortisol between winners and losers, before or after competition. However, a negative correlation between performance and C1 as well as C4 was detected. Unexpected, a positive correlation between cortisol during the competition (C2) and performance was identified. A stepwise multiple regression analyses showed that C2 predicted 25.5% of the performance variance. Even if the sample size is relatively small due to the field experimental setting, some conclusions can be drawn to motivate future research. Potentially, in taekwondo it seems advantageous for performance to have higher levels of stress as indicated by cortisol during a competition, whereas particularly before the competition, sport psychological interventions should be provided to combatants to reduce their psychophysiological stress level.
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Zandara M, Villada C, Hidalgo V, Salvador A. Assessing the antecedents and consequences of threat appraisal of an acute psychosocial stressor: the role of optimism, displacement behavior, and physiological responses. Stress 2018. [PMID: 29529922 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2018.1449830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The feeling of stress is increasing in today's societies, particularly in young adults subjected to social evaluative situations in highly competitive academic and work contexts. Threat appraisal is a primary and fundamental reaction when people face a stressful situation. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of dispositional optimism as an antecedent and displacement behavior as a consequence of threat appraisal of a social-evaluative situation of stress. A second objective was to verify the moderating role of physiological responses to stress (heart rate and cortisol reactivity) in the relationship between threat appraisal and displacement behavior. To do this, we combined the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) with ethological analysis, self-report questionnaires, and physiological data. As expected, people who scored higher on dispositional optimism perceived stress as less threatening, and a higher perception of threat was positively related to displacement behavior patterns. Moreover, the results showed that threat appraisal fully mediates the relationship between dispositional optimism and displacement behavior, and that only heart rate reactivity (not cortisol) moderates the relationship between threat appraisal and displacement behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Zandara
- a Research Institute on Personnel Psychology, Organizational Development, and Quality of Working Life (IDOCAL), Department of Social Psychology , University of Valencia , Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, F-401, 46010 Valencia, Spain, Valencia , Spain
- b Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, IDOCAL , University of Valencia , Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, F-401. 46010, Valencia , Spain
| | - Carolina Villada
- c Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Neurobiology, Neurobiology institute , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Juriquilla, Querétaro , México
| | - Vanesa Hidalgo
- b Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, IDOCAL , University of Valencia , Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, F-401. 46010, Valencia , Spain
- d Department of Psychology and Sociology, Area of Psychobiology, University of Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain , Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon) , Zaragoza , Spain
| | - Alicia Salvador
- d Department of Psychology and Sociology, Area of Psychobiology, University of Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain , Aragon Health Research Institute (IIS Aragon) , Zaragoza , Spain
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McHale TS, Chee WC, Chan KC, Zava DT, Gray PB. Coalitional Physical Competition. HUMAN NATURE-AN INTERDISCIPLINARY BIOSOCIAL PERSPECTIVE 2018; 29:245-267. [DOI: 10.1007/s12110-018-9321-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Robazza C, Izzicupo P, D’Amico MA, Ghinassi B, Crippa MC, Di Cecco V, Ruiz MC, Bortoli L, Di Baldassarre A. Psychophysiological responses of junior orienteers under competitive pressure. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196273. [PMID: 29698498 PMCID: PMC5919653 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to examine psychobiosocial states, cognitive functions, endocrine responses (i.e., salivary cortisol and chromogranin A), and performance under competitive pressure in orienteering athletes. The study was grounded in the individual zones of optimal functioning (IZOF) and biopsychosocial models. Fourteen junior orienteering athletes (7 girls and 7 boys), ranging in age from 15 to 20 years (M = 16.93, SD = 1.77) took part in a two-day competitive event. To enhance competitive pressure, emphasis was placed on the importance of the competition and race outcome. Psychophysiological and performance data were collected at several points before, during, and after the races. Results showed that an increase in cortisol levels was associated with competitive pressure and reflected in higher perceived exertion (day 1, r = .32; day 2, r = .46), higher intensity of dysfunctional states (day 1, r = .59; day 2, r = .55), lower intensity of functional states (day 1, r = -.36; day 2, r = -.33), and decay in memory (day 1, r = -.27; day 2, r = -.35), visual attention (day 1, r = -.56; day 2, r = -.35), and attention/mental flexibility (day 1, r = .16; day 2, r = .26) tasks. The second day we observed better performance times, lower intensity of dysfunctional states, lower cortisol levels, improved visual attention and attention/mental flexibility (p < .050). Across the two competition days, chromogranin A levels were higher (p < .050) on the most difficult loops of the race in terms of both physical and psychological demands. Findings suggest emotional, cognitive, psychophysiological, and performance variables to be related and to jointly change across different levels of cognitive and physical load. Overall results are discussed in light of the IZOF and biopsychosocial models. The procedure adopted in the study also supports the feasibility of including additional cognitive load for possible practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Robazza
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Pascal Izzicupo
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Angela D’Amico
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Barbara Ghinassi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Crippa
- SPAEE, Service of Educational and Learning Psychology, “Sacro Cuore” Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Montse C. Ruiz
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Laura Bortoli
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Angela Di Baldassarre
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Vors O, Marqueste T, Mascret N. The Trier Social Stress Test and the Trier Social Stress Test for groups: Qualitative investigations. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195722. [PMID: 29641572 PMCID: PMC5895062 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and its version for groups (TSST-G) are the gold standard for inducing acute psychosocial stress in human experimental settings and have been used in numerous studies since the early 1990s. The TSST and the TSST-G lead to effects on different physiological and psychological markers, such as salivary cortisol, anxiety, and emotional states. These effects were assessed with quantitative methods comparing pre-test and post-test measures with statistical analyses. But to date, no qualitative analyses have been conducted to examine the meaningful experience of participants during the TSST and the TSST-G. This study is the first to conduct qualitative investigations to further clarify the stressful experience of participants confronted with these procedures. Preliminary results showed as expected that the TSST and the TSST-G effectively induced psychosocial stress, with cortisol levels, cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, and arousal increases, and with pleasure and dominance decreases. At the qualitative level, the results evidenced that the two theoretically stressful components of the TSST and the TSST-G, namely social-evaluative threat and uncontrollability, were experienced as stress-inducing by the participants. Two case studies confirmed these findings. But the results also showed on one hand that psychosocial stress is a dynamic phenomenon, with important fluctuations throughout the tasks (mainly for the TSST-G); and on the other hand that despite the similar physiological and psychological responses between the TSST and the TSST-G evidenced by the literature, the experience of the participants was both similar and specific. Use of a qualitative method allowed us to provide a complementary point of view to understand the meaningful experience of participants during these stressful procedures, apprehending the dynamic of the subjective stress experience without disrupting it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Vors
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, ISM, Marseille, France
- * E-mail:
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Acute Salivary Steroid Hormone Responses in Juvenile Boys and Girls to Non-physical Team Competition. ADAPTIVE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND PHYSIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s40750-018-0089-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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40
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Crewther BT, Potts N, Kilduff LP, Drawer S, Cook CJ. Can salivary testosterone and cortisol reactivity to a mid-week stress test discriminate a match outcome during international rugby union competition? J Sci Med Sport 2018; 21:312-316. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2017.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Ostrander GM, Pipitone RN, Shoup-Knox ML. Interactions between observer and stimuli fertility status: Endocrine and perceptual responses to intrasexual vocal fertility cues. Horm Behav 2018; 98:191-197. [PMID: 29277698 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Both men and women find female voices more attractive at higher fertility times in the menstrual cycle, suggesting the voice is a cue to fertility and/or hormonal status. Preference for fertile females' voices provides males with an obvious reproduction advantage, however the advantage for female listeners is less clear. One possibility is that attention to the fertility status of potential rivals may enable women to enhance their own reproductive strategies through intrasexual competition. If so, the response to having high fertility voices should include hormonal changes that promote competitive behavior. Furthermore, attention and response to such cues should vary as a function of the observer's own fertility, which influences her ability to compete for mates. The current study monitored variation in cortisol and testosterone levels in response to evaluating the attractiveness of voices of other women. All 33 participants completed this task once during ovulation then again during the luteal phase. The voice stimuli were recorded from naturally cycling women at both high and low fertility, and from women using hormonal birth control. We found that listeners rated high fertility voices as more attractive compared to low fertility, with the effect being stronger when listeners were ovulating. Testosterone was elevated following voice ratings suggesting threat detection or the anticipation of competition, but no stress response was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant M Ostrander
- James Madison University, Miller Hall 1120-MSC 7704, 91 E Grace Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, United States.
| | - R Nathan Pipitone
- Florida Gulf Coast University, Department of Psychology, 10501 FGCU Blvd., South, Fort Myers, FL 33965, United States.
| | - Melanie L Shoup-Knox
- James Madison University, Miller Hall 1120-MSC 7704, 91 E Grace Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, United States.
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Aguilar R, Martínez C, Alvero-Cruz JR. Cortisol awakening response and emotion at extreme altitudes on Mount Kangchenjunga. Int J Psychophysiol 2017; 131:81-88. [PMID: 29278692 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The cortisol awakening response (CAR) was examined over a 45days stay at extreme altitudes (above of about 5500m) on Mount Kangchenjunga. The CAR refers to a peak cortisol response during the waking period that is superimposed to the diurnal rhythmicity in cortisol secretion, whose function has been proposed to be the anticipation of demands of the upcoming day (the CAR anticipation hypothesis). According to this hypothesis, we distinguished between resting days on which the expedition team engaged in routine activities in the base camp, and ascent days on which it planned to climb up a very demanding track. We were also interested in examining the association of testosterone with emotional anticipation, given the role of this steroid hormone in reward-related processes in challenge situations. Results showed that the climber group had a bigger CAR on ascent days, relative to the Sherpa group at the same altitude and the non-climber group at sea level. Several methodological issues, however, made it difficult to interpret these group differences in terms of the CAR anticipation hypothesis (e.g. a seemingly influential covariate was awakening time). Although based on tentative results, correlational and regression analyses controlling for awakening time coherently showed that the CAR was associated with anticipation of a hard day and feelings of fear, and testosterone was associated with feelings of energy and positive affect. Whether or not the anticipation of a hard day played a key role in regulation of the CAR, the observation of an intact CAR in the climber group under hypobaric hypoxia conditions would require in-depth reflection from the perspective of human adaptive evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Aguilar
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Málaga, Campus Teatinos s/n, 29071 Málaga, Spain.
| | - Carlos Martínez
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Campus Teatinos s/n, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - José R Alvero-Cruz
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Campus Teatinos s/n, 29071 Málaga, Spain
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Crewther BT, Hamilton D, Kilduff LP, Drawer S, Cook CJ. The effect of oral contraceptive use on salivary testosterone concentrations and athlete performance during international field hockey matches. J Sci Med Sport 2017; 21:453-456. [PMID: 29031642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2017.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect of oral contraceptive (OC) use on salivary testosterone (sal-T) concentrations and performance-related statistics in international field hockey matches. DESIGN A cohort observational study with repeated measures. METHODS Twenty-three elite female athletes were monitored across four international field hockey matches over a nine-day period. Salivary T was assessed 45min before each match and several match performance statistics were collated; load (i.e. ratings of perceived exertion×playing time), video-derived positive actions (PA) and negative actions (NA), plus coach and player ratings of performance. The sal-T and match performance profiles of OC (n=7) and Non-OC (n=16) players were compared and predictive relationships tested. RESULTS Pre-match sal-T concentrations were 35% higher in the Non-OC than the OC group (p=0.001), representing a large effect size (ES) difference of 0.96. The OC and Non-OC groups did not differ on any performance statistic (p≥0.348) with ES differences from -0.22 to 0.11. Salivary T was positively related to the number of PA during match play (p=0.017). Additional linkage between sal-T and NA emerged, but with opposing slopes (p=0.008) in the OC (B=-1.783, p=0.030) and Non-OC (B=0.692, p=0.127) groups. CONCLUSIONS OC usage by elite women athletes was accompanied by lower sal-T concentrations, but the performance outputs of the OC and Non-OC groups were similar. This suggests that the T differences had no impact on match performance. On an individual (population-averaged) level, sal-T was associated with PA and NA during these matches, though the response curves predicting NA differed for OC and Non-OC athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Liam P Kilduff
- A-STEM, School of Engineering, Swansea University, UK; Welsh Institute of Performance Sciences (WIPS), Swansea University, UK
| | - Scott Drawer
- A-STEM, School of Engineering, Swansea University, UK; Sky and Team Sky, UK
| | - Christian J Cook
- Welsh Institute of Performance Sciences (WIPS), Swansea University, UK; School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University, UK; University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Australia
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Slimani M, Baker JS, Cheour F, Taylor L, Bragazzi NL. Steroid hormones and psychological responses to soccer matches: Insights from a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186100. [PMID: 29023546 PMCID: PMC5638322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the perturbations in hormonal and psychological homeostasis in response to soccer match-play. These perturbations were explored according to match outcome (i.e., win versus loss), gender, type of contest (i.e., competitive versus non-competitive fixtures) and competitive level (i.e., novice versus high-level). The review was conducted according to the Population/Intervention or Exposure/Comparison/Outcome(s) (PICO) criteria and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Match outcome, type of contest and competitive levels were moderator variables in the examined steroid hormones responses to a soccer match-play. Different testosterone responses were seen between match winners (increase) and losers (decrease) when compared to pre-game or baseline values (p <0.05), whilst no changes could be detected for cortisol relative to match outcome in female soccer players. Males (Δ% = 6.26; ES = 0.28) demonstrated a marginally lower increase in testosterone levels when compared to females (Δ% = 49.16; ES = 1.00), though not statistically significant. Females (Δ% = 162.7; ES = 0.98) did not demonstrate elevated cortisol match response compared to males (Δ% = 34.60; ES = 1.20). Male novice soccer match-play increased cortisol levels compared to high-level soccer match-play (Q = 18.08, p<0.001). Competitive soccer matches increased cortisol levels compared to non-competitive fixtures (i.e., collegiate tournament). Additionally, competitive levels moderate the relationship between a soccer match and testosterone levels (p <0.001), regardless of gender differences. From the presented systematic review and meta-analysis it appears (1) cortisol changes are associated with cognitive anxiety in starter female soccer players, while (2) testosterone changes are associated with changes in mood state in females and social connectedness in male soccer players. This apparent psycho-physiological relationship may proffer the opportunity for targeted intervention(s) by practitioners to favorably influence performance and/or recovery agendas. Further mechanistic and/or applied evidence is required in this regard in addition to further data sets from females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maamer Slimani
- Research Laboratory ‘‘Sport Performance Optimization”, National Centre of Medicine and Science in Sport (CNMSS), El Menzah, Tunisia
- * E-mail:
| | - Julien S. Baker
- University of the West of Scotland, Institute of Clinical Exercise and Health Science, Hamilton Campus, Hamilton, United Kingdom
| | - Foued Cheour
- High Institute of Applied Biology of Médenine, Medenine, Tunisia
| | - Lee Taylor
- Athlete Health and Performance Research Centre, ASPETAR, Qatar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
- Loughborough University, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- School of Public Health, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), Genoa University, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, Genoa University, Genoa, Italy
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Abstract
Competition and cooperation are two somewhat opposed strategies for interpersonal social interaction that help us to achieve both individual and shared goals. The main aim of this study was to explore which type of social interaction (cooperative or competitive) is more stressful in a face-to-face same-sex dyad in healthy young participants (n = 178), considering outcome obtained in these tasks (positive or negative) and sex as moderating variables, and performance of the task alone as a control condition. Salivary cortisol (Csal) was measured in one sample obtained before task and four obtained after the task (+0, +15, +30 and +45 minutes after). Anxiety-state was assessed before and immediately after the task. Participants who cooperated and obtained negative outcomes had higher Csal levels than those who worked alone with negative outcomes in all periods after the task (p = .008, η p 2 = .058 and p = .033, η p 2 = .031, respectively). Moreover, those who cooperated showed higher mean self-reported state anxiety levels than the rest of the participants (p = .013, η p 2 = .051 and p < .001, η p 2 = .530, respectively). Our study indicates that cooperation between strangers in face-to-face dyads is highly stressful, more so than competing or working alone. These results should be taken into account for understanding situations of social stress and can be generalized to situations in which subjects cooperate or must decide between cooperating and competing to attain a goal.
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46
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Status, Stress and Performance in Track and Field Athletes during the European Games in Baku (Azerbaijan). Sci Rep 2017; 7:6076. [PMID: 28729707 PMCID: PMC5519747 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06461-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
This study analyzes the relationship between salivary cortisol and testosterone levels and performance in track and field athletes. In addition, we analyzed the influence of status among athletes (measured based on previous athletic achievement) on hormone levels. Nineteen members of the Austrian track and field team (eleven males, eight females, 25.9 ± 3.9 years of age, 74.9 ± 20.1 kg, and 179.3 ± 10 cm) participated in this study. Data was collected during the European Games in Baku. Athletes delivered saliva samples at various time-points including morning samples and samples directly before and after the competition. Scoring points of the International Association of Athletics Federation were used as an individual measure of relative performance. We found that performance was negatively correlated with rise in testosterone concentrations in the last 24 h prior to the competition. A similar trend was found for cortisol levels, but only when the three least competitive athletes were removed from analysis. Pre-competition cortisol levels were significantly increased compared to measurements 24 h earlier. No effect of status on cortisol or testosterone increase in the same timeframe was found. We conclude that the tournament represented a stressor and that excessive endocrine response was associated with reduced performance.
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Casto KV, Rivell A, Edwards DA. Competition-related testosterone, cortisol, and perceived personal success in recreational women athletes. Horm Behav 2017; 92:29-36. [PMID: 28527589 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Thirty-five women participating in one or more intramural flag-football games provided saliva samples before, immediately after, and 10min after competition and completed an after-competition questionnaire appraising their own performance during the game. As seen in other studies of elite athletes, these recreational athletes, on average, showed significant elevations in testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) across the competition period - the "competition effect". In winners and losers, T levels at all time points measured were positively related to athletes' appraisals of their own individual performance. Results from this study show that the competition effect for T and C is evident in recreational women athletes and provide preliminary evidence about the relationship between cognitive appraisal and competition-related T levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen V Casto
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States; Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, USA.
| | - Aileen Rivell
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - David A Edwards
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
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48
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Wu Y, Eisenegger C, Zilioli S, Watson NV, Clark L. Comparison of clear and narrow outcomes on testosterone levels in social competition. Horm Behav 2017; 92:51-56. [PMID: 27235812 PMCID: PMC5726082 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A contribution to a special issue on Hormones and Human Competition. Social competition is associated with marked emotional, behavioral and hormonal responses, including changes in testosterone levels. The strength and direction of these responses is often modulated by levels of other hormones (e.g. cortisol) and depends on psychological factors - classically, the objective outcome of a competition (win vs. loss) but also, hypothetically, the closeness of that outcome (e.g. decisive victory vs. close victory). We manipulated these two aspects of a social contest among male participants (N=166), to investigate how testosterone and affect fluctuated as a function of clear vs. narrow wins and clear vs. narrow losses. We found that losing a competition by a small margin (a narrow loss) was experienced as more pleasant than a clear loss. Among individuals with higher levels of basal cortisol, winning the competition by a narrow margin was associated with a decrease in testosterone levels. These findings are discussed within the framework of the status instability hypothesis and the growing literature on how situational and physiological factors modulate testosterone reactivity to social contests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Wu
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Research Center for Brain Function and Psychological Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Christoph Eisenegger
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Samuele Zilioli
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, USA.
| | - Neil V Watson
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada.
| | - Luke Clark
- Centre for Gambling Research at UBC, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Salvador A, Costa R, Hidalgo V, González-Bono E. Causal attribution and psychobiological response to competition in young men. Horm Behav 2017; 92:72-81. [PMID: 28433517 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A contribution to a special issue on Hormones and Human Competition. Psychoneuroendocrine effects of competition have been widely accepted as a clear example of the relationship between androgens and aggressive/dominant behavior in humans. However, results about the effects of competitive outcomes are quite heterogeneous, suggesting that personal and contextual factors play a moderating role in this relationship. To further explore these dimensions, we aimed to examine (i) the effect of competition and its outcome on the psychobiological response to a laboratory competition in young men, and (ii) the moderating role of some cognitive dimensions such as causal attributions. To do so, we compared the responses of 56 healthy young men faced with two competitive tasks with different instructions. Twenty-eight men carried out a task whose instructions led subjects to think the outcome was due to their personal performance ("merit" task), whereas 28 other men faced a task whose outcome was attributable to luck ("chance" task). In both cases, outcome was manipulated by the experimenter. Salivary steroid hormones (testosterone and cortisol), cardiovascular variables (heart rate and blood pressure), and emotional state (mood and anxiety) were measured at different moments before, during and after both tasks. Our results did not support the "winner-loser effect" because no significant differences were found in the responses of winners and losers. However, significantly higher values on the testosterone and cardiovascular variables, along with slight decreases in positive mood, were associated with the merit-based competition, but not the chance-based condition. In addition, an exploratory factorial analysis grouped the response components into two patterns traditionally related to more active or more passive behaviors. Thus, our results suggest that the perception of contributing to the outcome is relevant in the psychobiological response to competition in men. Overall, our results reveal the importance of the appraisal of control and causal attribution in understanding human competitive interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Salvador
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology, IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Blasco Ibañez 21, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Raquel Costa
- Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, Blasco Ibañez 21, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vanesa Hidalgo
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology, IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Blasco Ibañez 21, 46010, Valencia, Spain; Department of Psychology and Sociology, Area of Psychobiology, University of Zaragoza, Campus Ciudad Escolar, 44003 Teruel, Spain
| | - Esperanza González-Bono
- Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychobiology, IDOCAL, University of Valencia, Blasco Ibañez 21, 46010, Valencia, Spain
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50
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Fuxjager MJ, Trainor BC, Marler CA. What can animal research tell us about the link between androgens and social competition in humans? Horm Behav 2017; 92:182-189. [PMID: 27914879 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A contribution to a special issue on Hormones and Human Competition. The relationship between androgenic hormones, like testosterone (T), and aggression is extensively studied in human populations. Yet, while this work has illuminated a variety of principals regarding the behavioral and phenotypic effects of T, it is also hindered by inherent limitations of performing research on people. In these instances, animal research can be used to gain further insight into the complex mechanisms by which T influences aggression. Here, we explore recent studies on T and aggression in numerous vertebrate species, although we focus primarily on males and on a New World rodent called the California mouse (Peromyscus californicus). This species is highly territorial and monogamous, resembling the modern human social disposition. We review (i) how baseline and dynamic T levels predict and/or impact aggressive behavior and disposition; (ii) how factors related to social and physical context influence T and aggression; (iii) the reinforcing or "rewarding" aspects of aggressive behavior; and (iv) the function of T on aggression before and during a combative encounter. Included are areas that may need further research. We argue that animal studies investigating these topics fill in gaps to help paint a more complete picture of how androgenic steroids drive the output of aggressive behavior in all animals, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian C Trainor
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Catherine A Marler
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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