Romantic Partners’ Compatibility Beliefs Moderate Testosterone Reactivity to an Acute Stressor

Laboratory stress affects testosterone, a masculinizing, relationship-oriented and stress-responsive hormone. Previously, Iturri (2013) found relationship quality predicted lower testosterone levels and higher testosterone stress reactivity. This study further examines testosterone stress reactivity within romantic partners (N=30, age=18-25 years). Supportiveness was indexed as relationship compatibility beliefs with a romantic partner. Women had greater testosterone reactivity than men (b=.26, p\u3c.001); individuals, especially women, with higher compatibility had significantly stronger testosterone reactivity to the stressor (b=.29, p\u3c.0001) and faster testosterone recovery (b=-.43, p=.002). Results confirm testosterone is modulated by relationship factors and extend this observation into the acute stress setting with romantic couples