Relative digit lengths predict men's behavior and attractiveness during social interactions with women

Hum Nat. 2004 Sep;15(3):271-82. doi: 10.1007/s12110-004-1009-5.

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that the ratio of the lengths of the second and fourth fingers (2D:4D) may reflect degree of prenatal androgen exposure in humans. In the present study, we tested the hypotheses that 2D:4D would be associated with ratings of men's attractiveness and with levels of behavioral displays during social interactions with potential mates. Our results confirm that male 2D:4D was significantly negatively correlated with women's ratings of men's physical attractiveness and levels of courtship-like behavior during a brief conversation. These findings provide novel evidence for the organizational effects of hormones on human male attractiveness and social behavior.

Keywords: 2D:4D; Attractiveness; Courtship; Testosterones.