Relationship between Palmar Dermatoglyphic Pattern and Academic Performance of Students in a Ghanaian Secondary School

Abstract

Dermatoglyphics which is a scientific study of epidermal ridge patterns on fingers (fingerprints) and palms (palmprints) is an important tool that has been used in the areas of personal identification, criminality as well as medical diagnosis of several congenital diseases. In this study, we hypothesized a positive relationship between academic performance and the dermatoglyphic pattern of the hand. The palmprints and fingerprints of 320 3 rd and 4 th year students of Ghana Senior High School, Koforidua were analyzed according to the number of Primary crease, Intersections of primary crease and Complete transverse Crease (PIC) model of classification and FBI system of fingerprint classification respectively. The dermatoglyphic patterns of each student were compared to the cumulative academic results of five consecutive academic terms. The study revealed that students with symmetrical palmprints performed better academically than those with asymmetrical palmprints (p<0.001). Strikingly, students with Central Pocket Loop Whorl located on the ring and middle fingers performed better academically than those with other fingerprints (p<0.0001). None of the students displayed PIC 101, 201 and 211 palmprint patterns which characterize individuals with learning difficulties. The results thus demonstrate a close association between dermatoglyphic pattern of the hand and brain cognitive functions. Dermatoglyphics can therefore be used to identify potentially weak students and to design teaching and counseling strategies for them. Further research using large sized samples are recommended for further elucidation of established linkages.

Dermatoglyphic Patterns of Children with Special Educational Needs

“…In a study by Offei, E. B., et 2014 [9], students with CPLW located on the ring and middle fingers performed better academically than those with other fingerprints (p < 0.0001). The finding of the significant increased frequency of CPLW in control group in the present study coincides with the finding of above study.…”

“…For instance, on the left index finger, RL was hand was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in SS (44.58 ± 5.12) 0 compared to CONTROL GROUP (41. In a study by Offei, E. B., et 2014 [9], it was reported that there was significant difference between the mean academic performances of students with symmetrical palms and those with asymmetrical palms. The study concluded that individuals with symmetrical PIC in the palms will perform better academically than those with asymmetrical PIC in the palm.…”

“…Rajangam, S., et al in 1995 reported in his study that among abnormal dermatoglyphic which include simian crease, Sydney line occurred more frequently in the individuals with DS. [9] reported that none of the students in the normal population displayed PIC 101, 201 and 211 palmar creases. The study concluded that PIC 101, 201 and 211 characterizes individuals with learning difficulties.…”

Digitopalmar Dermatoglyphic Patterns and Academic Achievement

“…A single transverse palmar crease is reported in children with Edward's syndrome and Patau's syndrome. These children usually have delayed developmental milestone, learning difficulties and minor behavioural problems [15,7,16]. Hand prints are found to correlate to a person's psychological characteristics [6].…”

“…Previous studies observed that students with central pocket loop whorl performed better academically than those having other fingerprint patterns [16]. All these studies have proven that the hand research is worth doing and could reveal not only vital genetics and medical information about individuals but also something about the psychological uniqueness of each person [18].…”