role of hormones - biological approach Flashcards
what do hormones do?
they impact our physical development making us more physically male or female. they also impact our behaviours linked to such genders.
what is the default gender?
female - genetic males will only develop if they are exposed to testosterone
females don’t need hormones to direct genital development
what does oxytocin do? who is it higher in? where is it produced?
higher levels in females
increases sociability and formation of bonds and attachments between people
produced in the pituitary gland - produces feelings of contentment and calmness
dampens the fight or flight response - promotes ‘tend and befriend’
what does oestrogen do?
directs the menstrual cycle
major role in developing secondary sexual characteristics during puberty
lead to smaller brain size in females
what does testosterone do?
affects development before and after birth
if T is released in the womb at 7 weeks this causes development of male sex organs and also acts on the hypothalamus resulting in the masculinisation of the brain
T is believed to be responsible for male behaviours e.g. aggression
males have a surge of T during puberty - responsible for secondary sexual characteristics e.g. facial hair
support for hormones dictating gender - bernerbaum and bailey
XX females whose mothers had been medicated with high levels of T during pregnancy were reported as being ‘tomboyish’ in their behaviour and having a greater interest in male-type activities
support for hormones dictating gender - quadagno et al
female monkeys that had been exposed to T during prenatal development engaged in more aggressive play
support for hormones dictating gender - eisenegger et al
observed women playing a bargaining game - those who thought they were given T played in a more unfair manor when compared to those given a neutral placebo
