Digit ratio (2D:4D) and the spatial representation of magnitude

Bull, Rebecca; Benson, Philip J.

doi:10.1016/j.yhbeh.2006.02.008

Cited by 42 publications

(42 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…In IPV perpetrators, the 2D:4D ratio of the left hand was smaller than controls. For this reason, our results support previous research because the 2D:4D ratio of both hands has been used as index of masculinization (Bull & Benson, 2006;. Therefore, IPV perpetrators may have been exposed to high prenatal T levels (Manning et al, 2001) and may also present an increased genetic sensitivity (Manning et al, 2003).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

High testosterone levels and sensitivity to acute stress in perpetrators of domestic violence with low cognitive flexibility and impairments in their emotional decoding process: A preliminary study

Romero‐Martínez

Lila

Sariñana-González

et al. 2013

Aggressive Behavior

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Hormonal and neuropsychological impairment in intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators could play a role in domestic violence. For characterizing whether there is a specific psychobiological response to stress, participants who had previously been jailed for IPV and controls were compared for testosterone and cortisol levels, tested for 2D:4D ratio (as an indicator of masculinization), and given several trait questionnaires and neuropsychological tests related to executive functions and theory of mind. After performing the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), IPV perpetrators experienced decreases in salivary testosterone (T) levels, a moderate worsening of mood, slight anxiety, and a salivary cortisol (C) level increase. Moreover, high basal T was related with high levels of anger and anxiety and worse mood. However, that basal mood does not significantly alter T levels in response to stress. Nonetheless, controls experienced smaller changes in T and larger changes in C and psychological mood. With respect to neuropsychological and cognitive empathic features, IPV perpetrators showed poorer executive performance and emotional recognition than controls. In addition, deficits in both neuropsychological domains were positively associated. Regarding emotional empathy, IPV perpetrators showed higher levels of personal distress than controls. The 2D:4D ratio was lower in IPV perpetrators than in controls. Moreover, only in the former a smaller 2D:4D ratio was related to large increases in T in response to stress and poor emotional recognition. Together with social aspects involved in IPV, differences in psychobiological variables and their relationships could play a relevant role in the onset and perpetuation of violent behavior. Aggr. Behav. 9999:1-15, 2013.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

High testosterone levels and sensitivity to acute stress in perpetrators of domestic violence with low cognitive flexibility and impairments in their emotional decoding process: A preliminary study

Romero‐Martínez

Lila

Sariñana-González

et al. 2013

Aggressive Behavior

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“…No conclusive results affirm that the left-hand 2D:4D ratio is not sensitive to the effects of prenatal androgens. Thus, our results reinforce those found in other studies that show relationships or predictions associated with the left indicator (Bull & Benson, 2006).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 93%

La ratio interdigital D2:D4 y su relación con otros indicadores de androgenización en progenitores de personas con trastornos del espectro autista

et al. 2013

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Título: La ratio interdigital D2:D4 y su relación con otros indicadores de androgenización en progenitores de personas con trastornos del espectro autista. Resumen: La ratio D2:D4 es el cociente entre la longitud de los dedos índice y anular e indicador indirecto de androgenización. A mayor testosterona prenatal,incrementa la probabilidad de desarrollar una menor ratio D2:D4. Se ha sugerido que personas con trastornos del espectro autista (TEA) y sus progenitores podrían tener cerebros altamente androgenizados, por lo que se ha utilizado como marcador de tal idiosincrasia. El objetivo principal es analizar si los progenitores de personas con TEA difieren de la población general en diversos parámetros de androgenización, principalmente la ratio D2:D4. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 43 progenitores de personas con TEA y 42 controles, de los que se midieron la ratio D2:D4, cuestionarios rasgo y niveles de testosterona y cortisol en saliva. Aunque no se encontraron diferencias por grupo en la ratio D2:D4, la ratio de la mano izquierda de progenitores de personas con TEA mostró mayor capacidad predictiva para explicar los cocientes de empatía y autismo, conductas cooperativas y niveles de cortisol. Además, en los progenitores varones predijo la gravedad de los hijos. Los resultados obtenidos indican que la ratio D2:D4 podría ser empleada, junto a otros parámetros, como indicador de la probabilidad de desarrollar rasgos autistas en los descendientes. Palabras clave: Androgenización; cortisol; ratio D2:D4; trastornos del espectro autista; testosterona. Abstract:The 2D:4D ratio is the quotient between the index and ring finger lengths and is a non-direct indicator of androgenisation. If prenatal testosterone levels in the amniotic fluid are high then the probability increases of developing lower ratio values. It has been suggested that people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their parents may have highly androgenised brains, and for this reason the 2D:4D ratio is used as a marker of such idiosyncrasies. This study aims to analyse if parents of people with ASD differ from the general population in several parameters of androgenisation related to the 2D:4D ratio. The sample was composed of 43 parents of offspring with ASD and 42 controls who had the 2D:4D ratio measured, answered several trait questionnaires, and had their testosterone and cortisol levels measured. Although there were no differences between groups in the 2D:4D ratio, the left hand of the ASD parents showed greater predictive ability to explain empathy and autism quotients, cooperative behaviour, and cortisol levels. In addition, the severity of the symptoms of their offspring was predicted only with male parents. The results indicate that the 2D:4D ratio could be used together with other parameters as an indicator of the likelihood of developing autistic traits in offspring.

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“…[26] In the present study, significant relationships with 2D:4D ratios were not observed during the performance of any of the tests for cognition. The results of the present study were in concurrence with the reports of Bull and Benson and Austin et al [3,22,23] The strengths of the study include the measurement of 2D:4D ratio in a precise manner using the digital Vernier calipers. However, variations in results obtained in the present study could be attributed to factors such as ethnicity and limitations such as choice of sample, smaller sample size, and choice of tests for assessment of cognition used.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

“…[26,27] On the contrary, females (higher 2D:4D ratios) outscored males on picture free recall and picture placement in the study by Mary et al [19] The abovementioned study also used the same tests as the present study to assess free and placement recall. Interestingly, lower 2D:4D ratios (masculine ratios) correlated with the better spatial recall in the studies conducted by Bull and Benson and Peters et al [3,12] However, most of the previous studies that reported a significant correlation with lower 2D:4D ratios in this domain have used mental rotation performance tasks for the evaluation of spatial skills. [12] The lack of significant correlations in the present study could be attributed to the difference in methodology and smaller sample size.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 93%

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2D:4D ratio and its association with examination scores and cognitive abilities in adolescent students - A cross-sectional study

Selvaraj¹,

Prathibha²,

Dharmalingam³

2017

Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol

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Background: 2D:4D ratio or the ratio of lengths of 2 nd (index finger) and 4 th (ring finger), a proxy marker for prenatal testosterone exposure, is known to be sexually dimorphic with males having lower values. Low digit ratio is associated with certain characteristics such as aggression in males and assertiveness in females. Similarly, high digit ratio in males is associated with increased sperm counts, increased risk for heart disease, obesity and metabolic syndrome, depression, and anxiety. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of the present study were to measure 2D:4D ratios of adolescent students and look for associations between 2D:4D ratios and their Higher Secondary School Board examination scores and their cognitive abilities such as attention, memory, spatial ability, and intelligence. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 70 adolescents of 18-19 years age group pursuing their education in the campus of Saveetha University. The 2D:4D ratio was measured from the midpoint of bottom crease where the finger joins the hand to the tip of the finger using digital Vernier calipers. Selected few domains of cognition were evaluated using the tests for free and placement recall, category fluency tests, and visual N-back tests. Correlation between 2D:4D ratio and Higher Secondary Board examination scores and mean cognition test scores were tested using Pearson's correlation test. Comparison of test scores between genders and low scorers versus normal scorers was performed using student t-test. Results: The mean 2D:4D ratio of the study population was 0.97 ± 0.034. The mean 2D:4D ratio of males (0.97 ± 0.32) was not significantly different from that of females (0.98 ± 0.035). There was no significant correlation between higher secondary scores and the 2D:4D ratio. Significant relationships with 2D:4D ratios and domains of cognition tested (free and placement recall, category fluency, and working memory) were not observed. Existing literature also revealed many inconsistencies within the pattern of associations between 2D:4D digit ratio and cognitive abilities. Conclusion: The future studies in a larger population with more and different tests for assessment of cognition would help us in ascertaining the role of 2D:4D ratio as a proxy marker for prenatal androgen exposure.

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Digit ratio (2D:4D) and the spatial representation of magnitude

Cited by 42 publications

References 42 publications

High testosterone levels and sensitivity to acute stress in perpetrators of domestic violence with low cognitive flexibility and impairments in their emotional decoding process: A preliminary study

High testosterone levels and sensitivity to acute stress in perpetrators of domestic violence with low cognitive flexibility and impairments in their emotional decoding process: A preliminary study

La ratio interdigital D2:D4 y su relación con otros indicadores de androgenización en progenitores de personas con trastornos del espectro autista

2D:4D ratio and its association with examination scores and cognitive abilities in adolescent students - A cross-sectional study

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