Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Combined Immunofluorescence and DNA FISH on 3D-preserved Interphase Nuclei to Study Changes in 3D Nuclear Organization
Published on: February 3, 2013
Short- and long-term relationship orientation and 2D:4D finger-length ratio
Sascha Schwarz1, Maida Mustafić, Manfred Hassebrauck
1Department of Psychology, University of Wuppertal, Germany. sschwarz@uni-wuppertal.de
Abstract:
Recent studies have shown that preferences for close relationships (Long-Term Relationship Orientation) are independent of preferences for various sexual partners (Short-Term Relationship Orientation). In the current studies, we hypothesized that Short-Term Relationship Orientation would be negatively related to 2D:4D finger-length ratio (i.e., the more masculine, the higher Short-Term Relationship Orientation). Study 1 found a negative relationship between Short-Term Relationship Orientation and right, but not left, hand 2D:4D among 91 male participants. Study 2 found a negative relationship between Short-Term Relationship Orientation and left, but not right, hand 2D:4D among 65 male participants, even after controlling for age, relationship status, social desirability, and sex drive. Female participants (n = 142) did not show this relationship in Study 2. This sex difference was discussed in terms of flexible female sexual strategies, which are supposed to be contingent on the local environment or menstrual cycle variations.
Related Concept Videos
Desirable Characteristics in Others
Relationship Formation
Factors Influencing Attraction III: Similarity
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Close Relationships and Culture
Factors Influencing Attraction I: Proximity

