The effect of competition on testosterone responses

Numerous studies have looked at the effect of competition on testosterone (T) responses in humans. Winners\u27 and losers\u27 T responses varied considerably across experiments. Researchers suggest that moderating variables may account for the inconsistencies found in previous studies. One aim of this study was to determine if winning/losing a poker competition influenced T responses. All participants as a group produced a significant increase in T during the competition, but no difference between winners and losers was discovered. Another aim of this study was to determine if individual and personality differences act as moderating variables in the relationship between poker competition and T responses. Internal/External Attribution, Competitiveness, and Locus of Control showed some degree of moderation, but Importance of the Competition did not