2D:4D in men is related to aggressive dominance but not to sociable dominance

Aggress Behav. 2012 May-Jun;38(3):208-12. doi: 10.1002/ab.21422.

Abstract

It has been shown that a smaller ratio between the length of the second and fourth digit (2D:4D) is an indicator of the exposure to prenatal testosterone (T). This study measured the 2D:4D of men and assessed dominance as a personality trait to investigate indirectly if the exposure to prenatal T is related to a dominant personality later in life. Results showed that men had a more aggressive dominant personality when having a more masculine (lower) 2D:4D, while there was no relationship between sociable dominance and 2D:4D. Findings from this study indicate that it is important to distinguish different forms of dominance since other studies failed to find relationships between dominance and 2D:4D.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aggression*
  • Biomarkers
  • Female
  • Fingers / anatomy & histology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Personality
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects*
  • Social Dominance*
  • Testosterone / physiology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Testosterone