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SUMMARY:The Social Neuroendocrinology of Status - Dr Pranjal Mehta\,  Univ
 ersity College London
DTSTART:20171013T153000Z
DTEND:20171013T163000Z
UID:TALK72914@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Louise White
DESCRIPTION:Abstract: Lay beliefs and traditional theories propose that hi
 gh levels of testosterone should promote higher status\, but empirical evi
 dence is inconsistent. According to the dual-hormone hypothesis (Mehta & J
 osephs\, 2010)\, testosterone should interact with cortisol -- a hormone r
 eleased in response to psychological stress -- to influence status-relevan
 t social behaviors. In this talk I provide empirical support for the dual-
 hormone hypothesis\, elucidate the underlying mechanisms\, and identify so
 cial contextual "triggers". Across multiple studies\, higher testosterone 
 was positively related to status-relevant outcomes -- such as leadership p
 erceptions in group interactions and financial earnings in stock traders -
 - only when cortisol levels were low. When cortisol levels were high\, hig
 her testosterone was associated with lower status. On the basis of these d
 ata\, I argue that variability in stress axis activity “tips” the repr
 oductive axis toward behaviors that either encourage or undermine status. 
 In the last section of the talk\, I discuss recent results suggesting that
  dual-hormone profiles can be induced through psychosocial interventions. 
 These latest findings may help low-status individuals and groups ascend so
 cial hierarchies. \n\nBiography: \nDr. Mehta received his B.A. from Willia
 ms College (Williamstown\, Massachusetts\, USA) and his Ph.D. in social-pe
 rsonality psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. He completed 
 postdoctoral fellowships at Columbia University (New York City\, USA) and 
 Erasmus University (Rotterdam)/Donders Institute (Nijmegen)\, the Netherla
 nds and was formerly an Associate Professor in the Department of Psycholog
 y at the University of Oregon (Eugene\, Oregon\, USA). Dr. Mehta is curren
 tly a Senior Lecturer in the Diversion of Psychology and Language Sciences
  at the University College London. His research examines the psychological
  and biological processes that regulate status hierarchies and decision-ma
 king.\n>\n> There are also a number of other items which I would be gratef
 ul if you could confirm/advise:
LOCATION:Ground Floor Lecture Theatre\, Department of Psychology
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