Volume : 5, Issue : 3, March - 2016

2D:4D as an Alternative Measure for Sex: Focus on Aggression

Demuthova, Slavka

Abstract :

<p> 2D:4D ratio has been successfully used as a representative for the amount of prenatal androgens exposure. This exposure during the critical period of intrauterine development causes the masculinisation of human emyo and – subsequently – its male features. The amount of masculinisation therefore affects the future presence of masculine features in psychological characteristics. The aim of the pilot study is to explore whether fluent 2D:4D ratio is more sensitive within masculine/ feminine manifestations of sexually dimorphic psychological characteristics (example of an aggression) than simple category man/woman. Subjects (N=134) were young adults (mean age 21,40) of which 47% were male. Comparing aggression between men and women did not show significant differences (sig=0,257). On the other hand, correlation between 2D:4D and aggression was statistically significant (p=0,011). According to the results, the 2D:4D ratio can be considered as more accurate for distinguishing masculinity/femininity in psychological characteristics than simple belonging to sex.</p>