Can Watching Sports Increase a Man's Testosterone Levels?
Testosterone is an important sex hormone primarily found in males, (although females produce smaller amounts as well). It’s produced in the testicles in men and plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics. Beyond its impact on a man’s physical attributes, testosterone influences various bodily functions, including building muscle mass, increasing strength, improving bone density, helping to boost energy levels, and assisting in regulating mood and libido. It's essential for maintaining overall health and well-being in both men and women. But will watching the Kansas City Chiefs play the San Francisco 49ers in the Superbowl actually increase your testosterone levels? Surprisingly the answer is possibly YES. Let’s explain…
In case you’ve been living in a jungle your whole life, you probably know what the Superbowl is, regardless of whether or not you’re a fan of football or even sports in general. The Super Bowl is the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL) and is a colossal sporting and cultural phenomenon in not just the United States but across the world. It's a spectacular showcase of athleticism and entertainment, captivating millions of people worldwide. Beyond the thrilling gridiron action, the Super Bowl is a cultural extravaganza with iconic halftime shows and memorable commercials, making it a must-watch event.
As it turns out, there is
a connection between watching sporting events and an increase in testosterone
levels in men. The boost in male hormones is actually significant depending on
whether your favorite team is playing and how well they do. If you’re a
die-hard Chiefs fan and you watch Patrick Mahomes or Travis
Kelce score a Touchdown, you may see a significant spike in
testosterone however if you just watched Nick Bosa miss a tackle or Brock Purdy fumble the ball, you can
actually see a decrease in testosterone! I know it sounds odd so let’s see what
the scientific literature has to say about this.
A recent study from the University of Missouri-Columbia sheds light on testosterone dynamics during competition. According to the findings, male testosterone levels surge following victory over rivals, but not friends. Professor Mark Flinn, an anthropology expert at MU, emphasized, "Our hormonal reactions to competition are deeply rooted in our evolutionary past as a cooperative species." Interestingly, the study, conducted in Dominica across different age groups, observed that competing against external groups boosted testosterone levels upon triumph but decreased after defeat.
Moreover, when pitted against friends, testosterone levels remained unchanged regardless of the outcome. Remarkably, Flinn pointed out that merely participating in group activities, such as cheering for a sports team at a bar or a Superbowl party, can also elevate testosterone levels. These findings underscore the significant impact of communal experiences on hormonal responses.
Recent research has uncovered the significant impact of testosterone on men's competitive behavior, particularly when influenced by basal cortisol levels and perceptions of an opponent's status. In a study comparing male test subjects given exogenous testosterone to a placebo group, those with low basal cortisol displayed heightened competitiveness, particularly against high-status opponents. This highlights testosterone's role not only in physiological aspects but also in motivating competitive drive, crucial for success in sports.
But what about the fans? A study published in PHYSIOL BEHAV in 1998 examined testosterone fluctuations in fans during sporting events, revealing intriguing physiological responses. Male fans watching basketball and World Cup soccer games experienced increased testosterone levels when their team won, while levels decreased in fans of losing teams. This physiological response suggests that sports fandom goes beyond mere mood changes, impacting fans on a hormonal level.
Adding another layer, gambling introduces its own complexities. The "winner–loser effect" in testosterone research shows that social competition outcomes, like those in gambling, can trigger fluctuations in testosterone levels. Winning boosts testosterone, enhancing the excitement of victory, while losing results not only in financial loss but also in decreased hormone levels. This dynamic adds an intriguing twist, particularly in locations like Las Vegas, where events like the Superbowl intersect with gambling culture.
In conclusion, the impact of watching the Super Bowl on testosterone levels transcends mere fandom, delving into the realm of physiological responses, adding an intriguing layer to the excitement of the game. Scientific research underscores the complex relationship between sports and testosterone levels in men, revealing the intricate interplay between competition, victory, and hormonal fluctuations.
Studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia highlight the nuanced nature of testosterone responses, indicating that triumphs over rivals, but not friends, lead to significant increases in testosterone levels. This understanding of hormonal dynamics offers a unique perspective on how men's bodies respond to various social scenarios, showcasing the evolutionary aspects of our cooperative nature.
Moreover, research on the impact of testosterone on competitive behavior, considering factors such as basal cortisol levels and opponent status, not only sheds light on athletes' experiences but also emphasizes the broader significance of testosterone in shaping both physiological and psychological aspects of sports performance.
For fans, the physiological engagement in sports outcomes, as demonstrated by testosterone fluctuations following victories and defeats, suggests that the thrill of supporting a winning team extends beyond psychological effects. This physiological connection, as observed in studies on basketball and World Cup soccer fans, deepens our understanding of sports fandom.
Adding gambling into the mix adds another layer of complexity, with the "winner–loser effect" in testosterone research elucidating the hormonal consequences of social competition, extending beyond sports outcomes to financial gains and losses. Winning in gambling is accompanied by a testosterone boost, while losses not only result in financial setbacks but also hormone level declines.
In essence, the Super Bowl, with its blend of athleticism, entertainment, and cultural significance, serves as more than just a sporting event—it acts as a physiological stimulant, influencing testosterone levels in both players and fans alike. As we delve deeper into the intricate connections between sports, competition, and hormones, the Super Bowl emerges not only as a showcase for athletic excellence but also as a captivating arena for exploring the physiological dimensions of human behavior… plus, we might just catch a glimpse of Taylor Swift.
References
1. Male testosterone levels increase when victorious in
competition against rivals, but not friends
May 14, 2013
University of Missouri-Columbia
A study has found that testosterone levels during group competition are
modulated depending on the relationships among the competitors and may be
related to the formation of alliances in warfare.
Erik L Knight 1, Pablo J Morales 1, Colton B Christian 1, Smrithi Prasad 1, William T Harbaugh 2, Pranjal H Mehta 1, Ulrich Mayr 1
Author links open overlay panelPaul C Bernhardt ∗, James M Dabbs Jr †, Julie A Fielden †, Candice
D Lutter †
4. Slot machine gambling and testosterone: Evidence
for a “winner–loser” effect?
Ferrari, M. A., Chan, M., Brown, P. N., & Clark, L.
(2018). Slot machine gambling and testosterone: Evidence for a “winner–loser”
effect? Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 32(8), 961–971. https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0000425
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