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Hormonal Profile in Response to an Empathic Induction Task in Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence: Oxytocin/Testosterone Ratio and Social Cognition

Author

Listed:
  • Javier Comes-Fayos

    (Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Ángel Romero-Martínez

    (Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Isabel Rodríguez Moreno

    (Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • María Carmen Blanco-Gandía

    (Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Marta Rodríguez-Arias

    (Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Marisol Lila

    (Department of Social Psychology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Concepción Blasco-Ros

    (Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Sara Bressanutti

    (Department of Psychobiology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Luis Moya-Albiol

    (Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain)

Abstract

Empathy deficits have been proposed to be an important factor for intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV perpetrators have shown a differential change in salivary oxytocin (sOXT), testosterone (sT), and cortisol (sC), following empathic and stress tasks, compared to non-violent men. However, the influence of empathic deficits in those hormones after an emotion-induction task in IPV perpetrators remains unclear. We analyzed the effects of an empathic induction task on endogenous sOXT, sT and sC levels, as well as their hormonal ratios, in IPV perpetrators ( n = 12), and compared them to controls ( n = 12). Additionally, we explored the predictive capacity of empathy-related functions (measured with the interpersonal reactivity index) in the hormonal responses to the task. IPV perpetrators presented lower sOXT changes and higher total sT levels than controls after the task, lower sOXT/T change and total sOXT/T levels, as well as higher total sT/C levels. Notably, for all participants, the lower the perspective taking score, the lower the total sOXT levels and sOXT changes and the higher the sT changes were. Low perspective taking also predicted smaller sOXT/T and sOXT/C changes in the empathic induction task, and higher total sT/C levels for all participants. Therefore, our results could contribute to furthering our ability to focus on new therapeutic targets, increasing the effectiveness of intervention programs and helping to reduce IPV recidivism in the medium term.

Suggested Citation

  • Javier Comes-Fayos & Ángel Romero-Martínez & Isabel Rodríguez Moreno & María Carmen Blanco-Gandía & Marta Rodríguez-Arias & Marisol Lila & Concepción Blasco-Ros & Sara Bressanutti & Luis Moya-Albiol, 2022. "Hormonal Profile in Response to an Empathic Induction Task in Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence: Oxytocin/Testosterone Ratio and Social Cognition," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:13:p:7897-:d:849323
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ángel Romero-Martínez & Mari-Carmen Blanco-Gandía & Marta Rodriguez-Arias & Marisol Lila & Luis Moya-Albiol, 2021. "Hormonal Differences in Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators When They Cope with Acute Stress: A Pilot Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-14, May.
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