A new study in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging shows that testosterone makes young men more responsive to social feedback. Positive reactions boost self-esteem more, while negative feedback causes sharper declines. The research highlights how biology and social context interact to shape mood and behavior, with potential relevance for mental health strategies in Thailand.
Researchers recruited 120 healthy men aged 18–26 in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. After applying testosterone gel or a placebo, participants waited to reach peak hormone levels and then completed a realistic social-evaluation task. They crafted profiles that 184 supposed strangers would review, receiving a mix of approval, disapproval, and neutral feedback. In reality, feedback was pre-programmed to test responses to different social signals.
The findings indicate that testosterone amplifies the emotional impact of social cues. Positive feedback produced larger boosts in self-esteem for the testosterone group, while negative feedback produced larger drops. Computational models showed testosterone increased how much weight participants placed on expected approval and actual feedback, effectively widening the gap between expectation and reality.
A psychology expert from a prominent Thai university noted that the results align with long-standing observations about the biology-social environment link in young men. He said elevated testosterone may intensify swings in self-worth in competitive settings such as schools, workplaces, and online spaces, where Thai youths often seek acceptance and validation.
The study supports the sociometer theory of self-esteem, which views self-worth as a real-time gauge of social belonging. In Thai culture, where the concepts of face and group harmony are central, testosterone appears to sharpen this internal social monitor. Each nod or frown thus resonates more deeply for those with higher testosterone levels.
The research is timely for Thailand, where mental health concerns among young people are rising and social media magnifies feedback effects. Data from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health shows mood disorders and anxiety have increased, with peers and online interactions playing a pivotal role in self-perception. A psychologist from the ministry emphasizes that understanding how biology intersects with social experience can help schools and families support boys and young men more effectively.
However, the study has limits. All participants were young men, so it is unclear whether results apply to women or older adults. Future research will include a more diverse sample and examine other hormones that influence stress and social processing. The social feedback task, while realistic, cannot fully replicate daily Thai life’s complexity, including politeness norms and indirect communication.
Thai experts stress that translating these findings into practice requires cultural adaptation. Schools and clinics should consider how hierarchy and group dynamics influence social feedback and self-worth. While hormonal therapies may be relevant for certain clinical cases, they must be approached with caution and professional oversight.
International perspectives also underscore the topic’s broad relevance. Debates continue about testosterone’s relationship to aggression and social dominance, but Thai context adds important dimensions, such as family reputation and online community dynamics. In Thai online spaces, even a single negative comment can trigger strong responses about self-worth, especially for young men seeking acceptance.
Looking ahead, researchers plan broader studies that include women and non-binary participants and explore interactions with stress-related hormones. They also aim to investigate how digital platforms can be designed to support resilience in the face of social feedback.
Practical takeaway for Thai readers: self-esteem remains a shifting construct shaped by daily interactions and biology. While adjusting hormonal levels is not a universal solution, fostering supportive environments—at home, in classrooms, and online—can help youth navigate social feedback more effectively. Parents, educators, and policymakers should monitor the emotional impact of feedback and promote open conversations about feelings. For individuals experiencing persistent mood or confidence issues, professional assessment of both psychological and biological factors can guide personalized support.
In summary, the study offers valuable insight into how testosterone modulates the real-time experience of social feedback. By recognizing the biology-social context link, Thai communities can better support young people in building healthy self-esteem amid a rapidly connected world.
Integrated insights from: research conducted by international teams and analysis referencing Thailand’s mental health data, with interpretations aligned to Thai cultural context and public health perspectives.