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The measure of a man: associations between digit ratio and disordered eating in males
April R Smith1, Sean E Hawkeswood, Thomas E Joiner
1Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306-4301, USA. asmith@psy.fsu.edu
Objective:
The current study sought to determine whether there is a relationship between prenatal testosterone exposure, as indicated by the digit ratios of the second to fourth fingers (2D:4D ratio), and disordered eating and drive for muscularity in men.
Method:
Digit ratios were calculated by measuring photocopies of participants' finger lengths. Self-reported body image and eating attitudes and behaviors were assessed.
Results:
There were significant correlations between 2D:4D ratio and disordered eating and drive for leanness, indicating that greater prenatal testosterone exposure was associated with less disordered eating and increased drive for muscularity.
Discussion:
This suggests that greater prenatal testosterone exposure may be protective factor against the development of eating disorders in men. Potential mechanisms are discussed.
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