Why, after losing to an opponent, some of us retreat, while others attempt to take revenge?
Why, after losing to an opponent, some of us retreat, while others attempt to take revenge? University of Texas (USA) researchers Robert Josephs and Pranjal Mehta found that our actions are associated with changes in testosterone levels in the blood.
The 60 men who competed in pairs on number tasks were measured for this hormone before and after the competition, and asked if they wanted to continue the fight. 70% of losers whose testosterone “jumped” were ready to try again, and 80% of those who had it decreased refused to do so.
Pranjal Mehta believes that testosterone affects the level of claims in the social hierarchy. When its number rises, we feel the need to feel like leaders and are ready to fight for it; when it decreases, we stop needing it. The study, however, does not give a clear answer to the question of what causes what – it is possible that the dynamics of testosterone levels are due to an internally made decision.