Relationship Dynamics: Endocrinology and Behavior

Project Principal Investigator/s:
Dr. Steven Gangestad

Funding Agency:
National Science Foundation

Amount Awarded:
$300,000

Period of Performance:
09/2017 - 08/2019

Goals and Aims of Study

This study is designed to examine how hormonal variations that occur between and within women are associated with the dynamics of their romantic relationships: their thoughts about their relationships, their behavior toward their partners, and their perceptions of how their partners behave toward them. 260 women in heterosexual romantic relationships will be recruited. The study will assay levels in saliva and urine pertaining to five hormones of interest: testosterone, cortisol, estradiol, progesterone, and oxytocin.

How this Research Will Benefit Society