The consequences of having a dominant romantic partner on testosterone responses during a social interaction

Highlights • Testosterone reactivity can elucidate the interplay between dominance and social status. • Testosterone is used as a marker of social submission in the context of romantic relationships. • When placed in an emotionally-restrictive role, testosterone decreases. • Females with authoritative partners are particularly likely to exhibit testosterone decreases. • Partner characteristics can be just as important as one’s own on hormonal regulation.