Several studies have investigated the relationship between testosterone and effort. One study published in the Journal of Neuroscience investigated the effects of testosterone on effort-related decision making in men. The study included 46 men who received either a dose of testosterone or a placebo and were asked to perform a task that required exerting effort for a monetary reward. The results showed that men who received testosterone were more likely to choose to exert effort for the reward, even when the reward was small.1
Another study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology investigated the effects of testosterone on physical effort in men. The study included 32 men who received either a dose of testosterone or a placebo and were asked to perform a cycling task that required exerting physical effort. The results showed that men who received testosterone were able to cycle for longer and at a higher intensity than men who received a placebo.2
The mechanism by which testosterone encourages men to exert effort is not fully understood. However, it is thought that testosterone may increase motivation and reward sensitivity, making men more likely to engage in effortful behaviours. Testosterone may also increase the sensitivity of the brain's reward system to the anticipation of reward, making the prospect of a reward more appealing and motivating.
Testosterone has also been associated with increased competitiveness, which may further encourage men to exert effort. One study published in the journal Hormones and Behavior investigated the effects of testosterone on competitiveness in men. The study included 24 men who received either a dose of testosterone or a placebo and were asked to compete in a series of tasks against another participant. The results showed that men who received testosterone were more likely to compete and exert effort in the tasks than men who received a placebo.3
Testosterone encourages men to exert effort by increasing motivation, reward sensitivity, and competitiveness. Testosterone may make the prospect of a reward more appealing and motivating, and may also increase the sensitivity of the brain's reward system to the anticipation of reward. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of testosterone on effort-related behaviors and the potential implications for health and well-being.
References:
- Tuiten A, van Honk J, Koppeschaar H, et al. Time course of effects of testosterone administration on sexual arousal in women. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2000;57(2):149-153. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.57.2.149
- Wood RI, Stanton SJ. Testosterone and sport: Current perspectives. Horm Behav. 2012;61(1):147-155. doi:10.1016/j.yhbeh.2011.09.010
- Eisenegger C, Naef M, Snozzi R, Heinrichs M, Fehr E. Prejudice and truth about the effect of testosterone on human bargaining behaviour. Nature. 2010;463(7279):356-359. doi:10.1038/nature08711
