Testosterone and cortisol modulate the effects of empathy on aggression in children.

This study aimed to analyze the potential moderating role of circulating testosterone, cortisol and estradiol levels on the attenuating effect of empathy on aggression in children. Participants were 139 children (80 boys and 59 girls) from the 3rd year of primary school (age 8). Their aggressive behavior was measured by the Direct and Indirect Aggression Scale, an instrument which uses peer rating; empathy was measured using the Empathy Quotient-Child Version.

Developmental trajectories of aggressive behavior in children from ages 8 to 10: The role of sex and hormones.

Objectives: This study explored the developmental trajectory of aggressive behavior from age 8 to age 10 in school-aged children, taking into account possible sex differences, as well as the involvement of certain hormones.

Methods: Participants were 90 children (49 boys and 41 girls) from four schools. At the beginning of the study, the children were 8-year old and were in 3rd grade of primary school.

Parenting styles and hormone levels as predictors of physical and indirect aggression in boys and girls.

This study examines the relationship between parenting style, androgen levels, and measures of physical and indirect aggression. Peer ratings of aggression were obtained from 159 eight-year-old children (89 boys and 70 girls). Parenting styles (authoritative, authoritarian or permissive) were assessed using the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ).