A groundbreaking study published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging has revealed that testosterone significantly increases men’s sensitivity to social feedback, reshaping how they experience moment-to-moment self-esteem. The findings promise fresh insights for understanding self-worth, mental health, and social behavior, with potential implications for treatment approaches that resonate in Thai society and beyond (psypost.org).
A team of international scientists set out to unpack testosterone’s intricate role in influencing not just the overall sense of self-worth—what psychologists call “trait self-esteem”—but the more fleeting, variable feelings of self-value known as “state self-esteem.” The research matters deeply for Thai readers, as cultural norms around masculinity, social acceptance, and mental health coverage intersect with emerging scientific understanding, and because mental health struggles linked to low self-esteem, especially among young men, are increasingly noted across Thailand (WHO).
The research recruited 120 healthy young men, aged 18 to 26, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a testosterone gel or a placebo, with neither volunteers nor researchers aware of group allocation during the experiment. After a three-hour waiting period to allow testosterone levels to peak, participants engaged in a realistic “social evaluation” task: each created a profile to be viewed by what they believed were 184 strangers, who would approve or disapprove of them. In reality, the feedback was carefully pre-programmed to simulate a wide range of social reactions—some approving, some negative, some indifferent.
The researchers uncovered that testosterone didn’t just enhance or suppress self-esteem. Instead, it made the volunteers significantly more attuned to social cues. When given positive feedback, men in the testosterone group experienced more pronounced boosts in self-esteem than those in the placebo group; however, negative feedback caused sharper decreases. The hormone, in essence, intensified the emotional impact of social approval or rejection. Computational modeling further supported these results, showing that testosterone increased the weighting participants placed on both their expectations of approval and the actual feedback they received—in psychological terms, amplifying the “prediction error” (the gap between expected and received social feedback).
As an expert on psychology from Chulalongkorn University explained, “These findings support what we’ve observed anecdotally for years—when young men perceive rejection or approval, those who have elevated testosterone may feel the swings in self-worth much more strongly. This helps us appreciate the complex interplay of biology and social context in shaping male adaptation, especially in competitive settings such as schools, workplaces, or even Thai social media circles.”
Notably, testosterone’s effect was not a simple case of accelerating learning or making subjects change their beliefs more quickly. Instead, the hormone changed how much emotional value, or “weight,” participants gave to each piece of social feedback. The study’s data align with the “sociometer theory” of self-esteem, which posits that self-worth serves as a real-time gauge of social acceptance or rejection—an apt metaphor in Thai society, where concepts of “face” and social approval are paramount. Testosterone appears to sharpen this internal social monitor, making each nod or frown resonate more deeply.
Implications for Thailand are especially relevant at a time when mental health issues—often linked to unstable self-esteem—are rising among young Thais. According to the Department of Mental Health, mood disorders, anxiety, and even aggressive behaviors have increased, with social media intensifying the effects of social feedback. One psychologist from the Ministry of Public Health notes, “By understanding how biological factors like testosterone intersect with our collective social experiences, schools and families can better support boys and young men—especially those who may be struggling.”
Yet, the study is not without its limitations. All participants were young men, so it remains unclear whether the findings apply to women or older adults. Prior research has suggested that testosterone interacts differently across genders (Nature Reviews Endocrinology), especially in the volatile social and emotional landscapes of adolescence and young adulthood. Phase two of the research aims to include a more diverse participant pool.
Moreover, the scientists acknowledge that the “social feedback” task—though realistic—remained artificial. Participants were aware of being part of a study, and the social dynamics of daily Thai life, with its nuanced layers of politeness (kreng jai) and indirect communication, might yield different results. The team did not measure baseline testosterone levels prior to the gel application, a variable that could modulate individual responses, particularly if future studies seek to tailor interventions.
Reflecting on these limitations, a lecturer in psychiatry at Mahidol University remarks, “The translation of these findings into Thai clinical or school settings will require contextual adaptation—especially considering the pronounced role of hierarchy and group harmony in our culture.” Practitioners are already exploring whether hormonal and behavioral therapies could be combined, especially for individuals with diagnosed low testosterone and concurrent mood or confidence issues. There is already some precedent for testosterone therapy in addressing depressive symptoms in men, although this approach is approached with caution due to the risk of side effects and the importance of underlying cultural scripts.
International perspectives also echo the study’s relevance. In Western societies, the link between testosterone, aggression, and social dominance has been widely debated (Scientific American), but the Thai context adds unique dimensions, notably how group acceptance, family reputation, and social media “likes” can shape individual disposition. As a Bangkok-based sociologist comments, “In Thai online communities, a single negative comment can spiral into a crisis of self-worth, particularly for young men striving for acceptance and respect.”
Looking to the future, the study’s authors advocate for more naturalistic designs and larger, more diverse samples, including women and non-binary participants—reflecting the spectrum of gender identities increasingly recognized in Thai society. There is also keen interest in how hormones other than testosterone, such as cortisol (linked to stress), may interact with social evaluation. Such research could inform new school-based or digital platforms aimed at strengthening psychological resilience.
For Thai readers, the practical takeaway is clear: self-esteem is a living, shifting construct, not a fixed personality trait. It is shaped by social encounters and, as this study shows, profoundly influenced by biology. While boosting testosterone is not recommended for all, especially given risks and the need for clinical oversight, fostering positive, supportive environments—from the classroom to the home and online—can help buffer young men from the pitfalls of rejection and the volatility of self-worth swings.
Educators, families, and policymakers are encouraged to pay close attention to the double-edged sword of social feedback, especially amid rising pressure on Thai youth. For individuals seeking to strengthen self-esteem, cultivating an awareness of how social approval and disapproval land emotionally—and learning strategies for resilience—remains crucial. Experts recommend that young Thais be encouraged to talk openly about their feelings, approach feedback with self-compassion, and seek support when self-esteem dips. For those with persistent mood or confidence issues, consulting a healthcare professional to assess hormonal and psychological factors together may lead to more personalized, effective interventions.
Source citations: