A groundbreaking study has found that testosterone intensifies young men’s emotional reactions to social approval and rejection, reshaping how moment-to-moment self-esteem is formed. The research, published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, sheds new light on the psychological effects of this hormone, offering insights relevant both to mental health treatment and to understanding male vulnerability to social evaluation (PsyPost).
This discovery matters for Thai readers because self-esteem and mental health issues, particularly among men, are pressing concerns in Thailand’s rapidly changing society. In a culture where social harmony and hierarchical relationships often play a central role, understanding how testosterone shapes self-confidence and social behavior may help families, educators, and healthcare professionals better support young Thai men facing emotional challenges.
The study focused on “state self-esteem”—how a person’s self-worth rises and falls in response to the ups and downs of daily social interactions. Researchers recruited 120 healthy young men and used a rigorous double-blind approach: participants were randomly given either a testosterone gel or a harmless placebo, with neither participants nor experimenters knowing which was provided. After allowing time for the hormone to take effect, participants engaged in an online task simulating social evaluation, where feedback ranging from strong approval to clear disapproval was given based on fictional profiles.
Crucially, the researchers found that testosterone did not simply bolster overall self-esteem. Instead, it amplified men’s sensitivity to social cues: those given testosterone felt better than average when praised but experienced sharper dips in self-worth after criticism compared to those in the placebo group. Computational analysis showed that testosterone heightened attention to both expected approval and the actual feedback received, meaning men weighed these social signals more heavily when judging their own worth.
As one study author clarified, “Our modeling indicates that testosterone does not make men learn faster from feedback, but it changes how much importance they give to social approval or disapproval. This could explain why men with higher testosterone display stronger emotional responses in social and status-related situations.” This heightened responsiveness was especially marked in the face of positive or negative feedback, suggesting that testosterone primes men to react more intensely to social validation or rejection.
Implications for Thailand are significant. Issues of status, rejection, and emotional well-being are deeply tied to male identity in Thai society—where, for instance, academic performance, group acceptance, and family pride can all serve as sources of both affirmation and distress. With rising public attention to male mental health and reports of increasing stress and mood disorders among Thai youth (Bangkok Post), these findings invite new conversation about how hormones may subtly influence behaviors and vulnerabilities commonly observed in local schools, workplaces, and online communities.
Historically, Thais have prized “jai yen” (cool heart) as a cultural norm, promoting emotional restraint, especially among men. However, the study shows that biology can sometimes override learned stoicism: hormonal changes could sharpen sensitivity to praise and criticism, making it more difficult for some men to maintain composure in challenging social situations. For younger men navigating the complex world of social media and fierce academic or career competition, this biological variance could explain differing responses to the same events—why some bounce back from setbacks easily, while others spiral into self-doubt.
The study’s authors acknowledge certain limitations: results are drawn from young male adults, meaning effects might differ with age or among women. They also point out the laboratory setting may not perfectly represent real-life contexts—though it does provide valuable clues about basic psychological processes. Notably, baseline testosterone levels were not measured, so future research could further clarify the role of individual differences.
Looking ahead, the findings hold promise for mental health strategies. In some cases, testosterone has been considered as a supplementary therapy for men with low mood or low self-esteem. The latest research indicates that combining hormone treatment with positive social environments or feedback-based counseling could have greater benefits. Thai clinicians and counselors might consider how hormonal states affect male patients’ emotional resilience, as well as the potential of culturally adapted interventions that combine biomedical and behavioral approaches.
For Thai parents, teachers, and community leaders, the practical message is clear: support systems that consistently provide positive feedback—at home, in classrooms, or at work—may help cushion the emotional swings in those most sensitive to social evaluation. Recognizing that some young men are biologically more reactive can encourage greater understanding and more empathetic responses.
Families might foster open communication about emotional struggles, and schools could develop peer support initiatives that value encouragement as highly as academic success. Policy makers in health education could use findings like these to inform national mental health campaigns that destigmatize male vulnerability and promote early intervention for those displaying mood disturbances or excessive social anxiety (World Health Organization).
For Thai readers, the study’s message highlights the intersection of biology, social context, and culture. In the face of modern challenges—from exam pressure to social media scrutiny—recognizing the biological side of self-esteem can be empowering. If you notice a friend or family member struggling after criticism or social exclusion, remember that emotional reactivity can have genuine hormonal roots. Supportive words, patience, and creating an accepting environment are practical steps everyone can take.
To explore these issues further, Thai readers can consult local mental health resources and consider participation in seminars or support groups promoting positive self-image among youth. As research advances, keeping an open mind about the mind-body link will help foster a Thailand where both tradition and science play a role in nurturing confident, resilient men.
Sources:
- PsyPost – Testosterone heightens men’s sensitivity to social feedback and reshapes self-esteem
- [Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging – Original Study]
- Bangkok Post – Young Thais report rising mental distress
- World Health Organization – Mental health