SALIVARY TESTOSTERONE AND CORTISOL IN DISRUPTIVE CHILDREN - RELATIONSHIP TO AGGRESSIVE, HYPERACTIVE, AND INTERNALIZING BEHAVIORS

Objective: To test predictions that basal salivary testosterone and co rtisol are related to antisocial and internalizing behaviors, respecti vely, and that cortisol moderates the testosterone-aggression relation ship. Method: Saliva samples were assayed to determine testosterone an d cortisol levels in 40 clinic-referred disruptive children (aged 7 th rough 14 years) who were rated on aggression, inattention/overactivity , and internalizing behavior by parents, teachers, and clinic staff me mbers. Results: Results indicated significant positive relationships b etween testosterone and staff-rated aggression and between cortisol an d parent-rated internalizing behavior. A significant negative relation ship was found between cortisol and staff-rated inattention/overactivi ty. No interactions between testosterone and cortisol were found. Thes e results were maintained regardless of age, racial background, height , weight, diagnosis, or medication status. Conclusions: Results sugges t moderate relationships between testosterone and observed aggression, and between cortisol and emotional behaviors, in a group of disruptiv e children. Cortisol did not moderate the testosterone-aggression rela tionship in this population.