One of the most recent comprehensive reviews of the literature looked at the possibility of a link between moral judgment and hormone levels. The electronic databases PsycInfo, PubMed, Scielo, Web of Science, Scopus, and Lilacs were utilized in the review. PsycInfo is a psychological information resource.
Twenty research, each with a distinct methodological design, were investigated in relation to the hormones cortisol, oxytocin, and testosterone. Aspects such as polymorphisms in receptor genes, endogenous levels, and exogenous delivery were evaluated.
Together, the research reviewed revealed a trend toward a link between hormones and moral perception, with major differences including biological, contextual, and individual factors.
Endogenous cortisol levels, which are produced during times of stress, were shown to be associated with both altruistic and utilitarian choices only in situations that were very emotionally charged. The oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms (rs2268498, rs237889, and rs2254298) and acute administration of this hormone were shown to be connected with diversity in moral judgment, with sex serving as a significant moderating component in the findings.
When it comes to testosterone, research have shown that it has a favorable correlation with utilitarian moral judgements, especially in women and persons who have had less prenatal exposure to this hormone.
Knowledge how hormones influence moral judgment may help us get a more comprehensive understanding of the diversity of human conduct. Due to the fact that this study subject is new and yet under-explored, it is not possible to make conclusions based on a high degree of evidence in this instance. Future research will benefit from methodological changes that will allow existing results to be expanded upon.