How the male sex hormone can make us generous - but only on occasions when it will make us look good in front of our peers

                   

The male sex hormone can make us more generous, but only if there is no threat of competition and if it will make us look good.

This is according to a recent study that found testosterone is a key factor in creating and maintaining social relationships.

It builds on recent studies which suggest testosterone plays an important role in ‘dominance behaviour’ that can traditionally be seen as anti-social.

Researchers now claim testosterone’s affects are more nuanced, and can lead to more caring actions if the end reward means a higher social status.

‘[Testosterone] can induce pro-social behaviour…when high status and good reputation are best served by positive behaviour,’ said lead researcher Maarten Boksem of Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University in the Netherlands.

Researchers had 54 female volunteers ingest a liquid solution several hours before participating in an investing game. Some volunteers received a placebo solution, while others received a solution with added testosterone.

In the game, participants were given €20 - about £17 - and told they could keep the amount they wanted and invest whatever remained with another volunteer.