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Casto KV, Cohen DJ, Akinola M, Mehta PH. Testosterone, gender identity and gender-stereotyped personality attributes. Horm Behav 2024; 162:105540. [PMID: 38652981 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105540] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Sex/gender differences in personality associated with gender stereotyped behavior are widely studied in psychology yet remain a subject of ongoing debate. Exposure to testosterone during developmental periods is considered to be a primary mediator of many sex/gender differences in behavior. Extensions of this research has led to both lay beliefs and initial research about individual differences in basal testosterone in adulthood relating to "masculine" personality. In this study, we explored the relationships between testosterone, gender identity, and gender stereotyped personality attributes in a sample of over 400 university students (65 % female assigned at birth). Participants provided ratings of their self-perceived masculinity and femininity, resulting in a continuous measure of gender identity, and a set of agentic and communal personality attributes. A saliva sample was also provided for assay of basal testosterone. Results showed no compelling evidence that basal testosterone correlates with gender-stereotyped personality attributes or explains the relationship between sex/gender identity and these attributes, across, within, or covarying out sex assigned at birth. Contributing to a more gender diverse approach to assessing sex/gender relationships with personality and testosterone, our continuous measure of self-perceived masculinity and femininity predicted additional variance in personality beyond binary sex and showed some preliminary but weak relationships with testosterone. Results from this study cast doubt on the activational testosterone-masculinity hypothesis for explaining sex differences in gender stereotyped traits and within-sex/gender variation in attributes associated with agency and communality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen V Casto
- Kent State University, Department of Psychological Sciences, United States of America.
| | - Dale J Cohen
- University of North Carolina Wilmington, Department of Psychology, United States of America
| | - Modupe Akinola
- Columbia University, Columbia Business School, United States of America
| | - Pranjal H Mehta
- University College London, Department of Experimental Psychology, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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2
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Enge A, Kapoor S, Kieslinger AS, Skeide MA. A meta-analysis of mental rotation in the first years of life. Dev Sci 2023; 26:e13381. [PMID: 36843394 DOI: 10.1111/desc.13381] [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: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Mental rotation, the cognitive process of moving an object in mind to predict how it looks in a new orientation, is coupled to intelligence, learning, and educational achievement. On average, adolescent and adult males solve mental rotation tasks slightly better (i.e., faster and/or more accurate) than females. When such behavioral differences emerge during development, however, remains poorly understood. Here we analyzed effect sizes derived from 62 experiments conducted in 1705 infants aged 3-16 months. We found that male infants recognized rotated objects slightly more reliably than female infants. This difference survives correction for small degrees of publication bias. These findings indicate that gender differences in mental rotation are small and not robustly detectable in the first months of postnatal life. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: We analyzed effect sizes of 62 mental rotation experiments including 1705 infants. Looking time reveals that 3-16-months-old infants are able to perform mental rotation. Mental rotation is slightly more reliable in male infants compared to female infants. Gender difference in mental rotation is robust to small degrees of publication bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Enge
- Research Group Learning in Early Childhood, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Shreya Kapoor
- Research Group Learning in Early Childhood, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anne-Sophie Kieslinger
- Research Group Learning in Early Childhood, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael A Skeide
- Research Group Learning in Early Childhood, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
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3
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Stern C, Schwarz S, Moser G, Cvitic S, Jantscher-Krenn E, Gauster M, Hiden U. Placental Endocrine Activity: Adaptation and Disruption of Maternal Glucose Metabolism in Pregnancy and the Influence of Fetal Sex. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312722. [PMID: 34884524 PMCID: PMC8657775 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The placenta is an endocrine fetal organ, which secretes a plethora of steroid- and proteo-hormones, metabolic proteins, growth factors, and cytokines in order to adapt maternal physiology to pregnancy. Central to the growth of the fetus is the supply with nutrients, foremost with glucose. Therefore, during pregnancy, maternal insulin resistance arises, which elevates maternal blood glucose levels, and consequently ensures an adequate glucose supply for the developing fetus. At the same time, maternal β-cell mass and function increase to compensate for the higher insulin demand. These adaptations are also regulated by the endocrine function of the placenta. Excessive insulin resistance or the inability to increase insulin production accordingly disrupts physiological modulation of pregnancy mediated glucose metabolism and may cause maternal gestational diabetes (GDM). A growing body of evidence suggests that this adaptation of maternal glucose metabolism differs between pregnancies carrying a girl vs. pregnancies carrying a boy. Moreover, the risk of developing GDM differs depending on the sex of the fetus. Sex differences in placenta derived hormones and bioactive proteins, which adapt and modulate maternal glucose metabolism, are likely to contribute to this sexual dimorphism. This review provides an overview on the adaptation and maladaptation of maternal glucose metabolism by placenta-derived factors, and highlights sex differences in this regulatory network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Stern
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.S.); (S.S.); (E.J.-K.)
| | - Sarah Schwarz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.S.); (S.S.); (E.J.-K.)
| | - Gerit Moser
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Silvija Cvitic
- Research Unit of Analytical Mass Spectrometry, Cell Biology and Biochemistry of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Evelyn Jantscher-Krenn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.S.); (S.S.); (E.J.-K.)
| | - Martin Gauster
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
- Correspondence: (M.G.); (U.H.); Tel.: +43-316385-71896 (M.G.); +43-136385-17837 (U.H.)
| | - Ursula Hiden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.S.); (S.S.); (E.J.-K.)
- Correspondence: (M.G.); (U.H.); Tel.: +43-316385-71896 (M.G.); +43-136385-17837 (U.H.)
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4
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Richards G, Beking T, Kreukels BPC, Geuze RH, Beaton AA, Groothuis T. An examination of the influence of prenatal sex hormones on handedness: Literature review and amniotic fluid data. Horm Behav 2021; 129:104929. [PMID: 33454315 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.104929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Competing theories have posited roles for foetal androgen exposure in the development of human handedness. However, due to practical and ethical considerations, few studies have used hormonal measures to examine this possibility. The current paper reviews this literature and reveals a generally inconsistent pattern of results. We also present data from a longitudinal study of prenatal sex hormone exposure and subsequent handedness. More specifically, we examine correlations between testosterone and estradiol measured from second trimester amniotic fluid and hand preference (Dutch language version of the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory) and hand skill asymmetry (pegboard task) measured at 15 years of age. Prenatal sex hormone exposure was not associated with the direction of hand preference in either males or females. However, in females, high levels of prenatal testosterone were associated with weaker lateralisation of hand skill, and high levels of prenatal estradiol were associated with weaker hand preference. In addition, high levels of prenatal testosterone were associated with increased task duration (i.e., slow hand speed) for the right and left hands of males. The pattern of results observed here is not entirely consistent with any of the main theories linking sex hormones with handedness, suggesting that an association between these variables may be more complex than initially thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Richards
- Newcastle University, School of Psychology, Ridley Building 1, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; University of Cambridge, Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge CB2 8AH, UK.
| | - Tess Beking
- University of Groningen, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Department Clinical & Developmental Neuropsychology, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712 TS Groningen, the Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Center, location VUmc, Department of Medical Psychology, Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Baudewijntje P C Kreukels
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, location VUmc, Department of Medical Psychology, Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Reint H Geuze
- University of Groningen, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Department Clinical & Developmental Neuropsychology, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712 TS Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Alan A Beaton
- Swansea University, Department of Psychology, School of Human & Health Sciences, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK; Aberystwyth University, Department of Psychology, Aberystwyth SY23 3UX, UK
| | - Ton Groothuis
- University of Groningen, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands
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Nishida M, Ando H, Murata Y, Shioda K. Mental rotation performance and circadian chronotype in university students: a preliminary study. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2021.1890366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Nishida
- Faculty of Sport Science, Waseda University, Saitama, Japan
- Sleep Research Institute, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ando
- Faculty of Sport Science, Waseda University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yusuke Murata
- Faculty of Sport Science, Waseda University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kohei Shioda
- Faculty of Sport Science, Waseda University, Saitama, Japan
- Sleep Research Institute, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
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Moore DS, Johnson SP. The development of mental rotation ability across the first year after birth. ADVANCES IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 58:1-33. [PMID: 32169193 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acdb.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mental rotation (MR) is the ability to imagine the appearance of an object from a different perspective. This ability is involved in many human cognitive and behavioral activities. We discuss studies that have examined MR in infants and its development across the first year after birth. Despite some conflicting findings across these studies, several conclusions can be reached. First, MR may be available to human infants as young as 3 months of age. Second, MR processes in infancy may be similar or identical to MR processes later in life. Third, there may be sex differences in MR performance, in general favoring males. Fourth, there appear to be multiple influences on infants' MR performance, including infants' motor activity, stimulus complexity, hormones, and parental attitudes. We conclude by calling for additional research to examine more carefully the causes and consequences of MR abilities early in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Moore
- Pitzer College and Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA, United States.
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Johnson SP, Moore DS. Spatial Thinking in Infancy: Origins and Development of Mental Rotation Between 3 and 10 Months of Age. Cogn Res Princ Implic 2020; 5:10. [PMID: 32124099 PMCID: PMC7052106 DOI: 10.1186/s41235-020-00212-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mental rotation (MR) is the ability to transform a mental representation of an object so as to accurately predict how the object would look from a different angle (Sci 171:701-703, 1971), and it is involved in a number of important cognitive and behavioral activities. In this review we discuss recent studies that have examined MR in infants and the development of MR across the first year after birth. These studies have produced many conflicting results, yet several tentative conclusions can be reached. First, MR may be operational in infants as young as 3 months of age. Second, there may be sex differences in MR performance in infancy, in general favoring males, as there are in children and in adults. Third, there appear to be multiple influences on infants' MR performance, including infants' motor activity, stimulus or task complexity, hormones, and parental attitudes. We conclude by calling for additional research to examine more carefully the causes and consequences of MR abilities early in life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David S. Moore
- Pitzer College and Claremont Graduate University, 1050 N. Mills Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711 USA
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8
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Kaaz T, Heil M. Infants' looking times in a 2‐D mental rotation task. INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/icd.2167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Kaaz
- Institute of Experimental PsychologyHeinrich‐Heine‐University Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Martin Heil
- Institute of Experimental PsychologyHeinrich‐Heine‐University Düsseldorf Germany
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Shi M, Bazzano LA, He J, Gu X, Li C, Li S, Yaffe K, Kinchen JM, Stuchlik P, Mi X, Nierenberg JL, Razavi AC, Kelly TN. Novel serum metabolites associate with cognition phenotypes among Bogalusa Heart Study participants. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:5124-5139. [PMID: 31327759 PMCID: PMC6682535 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolomics study provides an opportunity to identify novel molecular determinants of altered cognitive function. METHODS During 2013 to 2016 Bogalusa Heart Study (BHS) visit, 1,177 participants underwent untargeted, ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy metabolomics profiling. Global cognition and five cognition domains were also assessed. The cross-sectional associations of single metabolites with cognition were tested using multiple linear regression models. Weighted correlation network analysis was used to examine the covariable-adjusted correlations of modules of co-abundant metabolites with cognition. Analyses were conducted in the overall sample and according to both ethnicity and sex. RESULTS Five known metabolites and two metabolite modules robustly associated with cognition across overall and stratified analyses. Two metabolites were from lipid sub-pathways including fatty acid metabolism [9-hydroxystearate; minimum P-value (min-P)=1.11×10-5], and primary bile acid metabolism (glyco-alpha-muricholate; min-P=4.10×10-5). One metabolite from the glycogen metabolism sub-pathway (maltose; min-P=9.77×10-6), one from the polyamine metabolism sub-pathway (N-acetyl-isoputreanine; min-P=1.03×10-5), and one from the purine metabolism sub-pathway (7-methylguanine; min-P=1.19×10-5) were also identified. Two metabolite modules reflecting bile acid metabolism and androgenic steroids correlated with cognition (min-P=5.00×10-4 and 3.00×10-3, respectively). CONCLUSION The novel associations of 5 known metabolites and 2 metabolite modules with cognition provide insights into the physiological mechanisms regulating cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyao Shi
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Lydia A. Bazzano
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Jiang He
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Xiaoying Gu
- Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Changwei Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Shengxu Li
- Children's Minnesota Research Institute, Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55404, USA
| | - Kristine Yaffe
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | | | - Patrick Stuchlik
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Xuenan Mi
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | | | | | - Tanika N. Kelly
- Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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