Fetal androgen exposure and childhood experiences are believed to contribute to the development and organization of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes, which are responsible for the regulation and release of stress and sex hormones, respectively. Evidence suggests the HPA and HPG axes can couple in response to childhood adversity, and that hormonal dysregulation contributes to psychopathological disorders such as anxiety and depression. Recent research also suggests self-compassion interventions could reduce PTSD symptoms, and that the experience of childhood trauma is related to increased empathy. Still, little is known regarding the impact of fetal androgen exposure on PTSD susceptibility and the relationships between self-compassion, compassion for others, and empathy. The current study aims to determine whether fetal androgen exposure mitigates PTSD susceptibility, and to clarify the relationships between empathy, compassion for others, self-compassion, and PTSD symptoms. A sample of 208 adults completed an online survey designed to measure fetal androgen exposure, childhood maltreatment, self-compassion, compassion for others, empathy, and PTSD symptoms. Findings show a significant difference in PTSD symptoms between individuals in high and low fetal androgen exposure groups, and significant correlations were discovered between empathy and compassion for others, empathy and self-compassion, but not compassion for others and self-compassion. Future studies could explore the extent to which fetal androgen exposure influences PTSD symptom susceptibility and the clinical implications therein.

Abstract Evidence suggests fetal androgen exposure influences the development and function of the neuro-endocrine system. Recent research suggests people might be hesitant to get vaccinated because they are misinformed about the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Others may have concerns about the potential side effects or may have religious or philosophical objections to vaccination. Additionally, recent studies suggest that prenatal testosterone plays a critical role in the development of sex-specific characteristics, such as adult aggressiveness. However, little is known about the potential impact of fetal androgen exposure on adult behavior such as vaccine hesitancy. The current pilot study aims to clarify any relations between these factors as well determining whether fetal androgen exposure could serve as a bioindicator for understanding how these hormones may influence the future development of adult behavior and any consequences for public health. Here we show that high fetal androgen exposure is related to a significantly greater likelihood of getting vaccinated as compared to low fetal androgen exposure. Future studies should explore the extent to which fetal androgen exposure impacts adult behavior such as vaccine hesitancy.