Hormones and Development

Since the inception of the organizational/activational hypothesis of development, researchers have been fascinated by the influences hormones have on the way the brain and body develop. This, since, has led to the investigation of the relationship between genetic and hormonal differences, as well as, environmental factors. The environment, as you will see in this and many other chapters, plays an important role in development and hormones can also be impacted in this process. All of these factors combine to shape the way the brain develops.