title: Do Sex Offenders Have Higher Levels of Testosterone? Results From a Meta-Analysis.
abstract: The purpose of the current study is to review the available scientific evidence on the relationship between testosterone and sexual aggression. A systematic search for all primary studies comparing basal testosterone levels in sex offenders and non-sex offenders was undertaken across 20 electronic databases using an explicit search strategy and inclusion/exclusion criteria. A total of seven studies were identified and 11 effect sizes were computed; effects were pooled using both fixed and random effects meta-analysis models. Although individual study findings present a mix of results wherein sex offenders have higher or lower baseline levels of testosterone than non-sex offenders, pooled results indicate no overall difference between groups. Moderators of the analyses suggest possibly lower rates of testosterone in child molesters than controls; however, results are dependent on study weighting. Limitations, policy implications with respect to chemical castration laws, and future directions for research are discussed.
authors.affiliation: 1 Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.
authors.forename: Jennifer S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.affiliation: 2 University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gravel
mesh_terms: D000374:Aggression / Q000502:physiology; D057237:Criminals; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012742:Sex Offenses; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D013739:Testosterone
keywords: meta-analysis; sex offenders; sexual aggression; testosterone