A new study reveals that testosterone intensifies young men’s emotional responses to social approval and rejection, influencing how self-esteem fluctuates with daily interactions. Published findings in scientific journals highlight the nuanced role of biology in mood and social behavior, offering fresh angles for mental health treatment and youth support. In Thailand, where social harmony and hierarchical relationships shape everyday life, these insights are especially relevant for families, educators, and healthcare professionals guiding young men through emotional challenges.
Researchers explored “state self-esteem,” the moment-to-moment sense of worth that rises and falls with social feedback. In a double-blind experiment, 120 healthy young men were assigned to receive either a testosterone gel or a placebo. After sufficient time for the hormone to take effect, participants completed an online task simulating social evaluation, with feedback ranging from strong approval to disapproval based on fictional profiles.
Crucially, testosterone did not simply raise general self-esteem. It amplified sensitivity to social cues: praised participants tended to feel better than average, while criticisms caused sharper declines in self-worth compared with the placebo group. Computational analysis indicated that testosterone increased attention to both expected approval and actual feedback, meaning these social signals carried greater weight when judging one’s worth.
One study author explained that testosterone alters how much importance men assign to social approval or disapproval rather than speeding up learning from feedback. This could help explain why higher testosterone is associated with stronger emotional responses in status-related situations. The effect was most evident when feedback was clearly positive or negative, suggesting hormonal priming of reactions to social validation or rejection.
Implications for Thailand are meaningful. In Thai culture, where status, group belonging, and family pride influence well-being, hormonal factors may subtly shape how young men experience academic pressure, peer acceptance, and online scrutiny. As mental health awareness grows and concerns about mood disorders among Thai youth rise, these findings invite conversations about the biological underpinnings of social-emotional vulnerability in schools, workplaces, and communities.
Thai context values jai yen, or a calm heart, encouraging emotional restraint. Yet biology can sometimes challenge that norm, particularly in today’s digital environment where praise and criticism circulate rapidly. Hormonal fluctuations could help explain why some young men respond with resilience while others struggle after social setbacks, social media interactions, or competitive exams.
The researchers acknowledge limitations: the study focused on young men and did not measure baseline testosterone levels, so effects may differ by age, gender, or individual hormone profiles. The laboratory setting, while controlled, may not capture real-life complexity. Future work could examine diverse populations and real-world contexts to deepen understanding of how hormones interact with environment.
From a practical standpoint, the findings suggest that supportive environments matter. Positive, consistent feedback at home, in classrooms, and in workplaces may cushion emotional swings for those more sensitive to social cues. Health professionals could consider hormonal states in designing interventions that combine biomedical approaches with social-emotional support. Culturally tailored programs that promote resilience and reduce stigma around male vulnerability can be particularly impactful in Thailand.
For educators, families, and policymakers, the takeaway is clear: invest in supportive networks and early interventions that acknowledge biological influences on emotion. Encouraging open conversations about emotional struggles and providing peer support can help foster healthier responses to social evaluation. Mental health campaigns that normalize seeking help and emphasize proactive coping strategies align with Thailand’s values of community care and collective resilience.
In summary, this research adds a biological layer to our understanding of male emotional responses to social feedback. It highlights the importance of nurturing environments that reinforce positive social interactions while recognizing that hormonal factors may shape how young men process approval and criticism. Embracing both science and culture can help build a more supportive Thailand where young men develop confidence, resilience, and well-being in a modern society.
For further reflection, readers can explore Thai mental health resources and participate in community discussions or seminars focused on youth well-being and self-esteem. As science advances, integrating biomedical insights with culturally informed support can empower families and institutions to guide young men toward healthier social experiences.
Sources integrated within the article:
- Research summarized in PsyPost on testosterone and social feedback
- Original study in a Biological Psychiatry publication
- National reporting on rising mental distress among Thai youth from Bangkok’s mainstream media
- Global mental health guidance from international health authorities