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Digit ratio 2D:4D in relation to autism spectrum disorders, empathizing, and systemizing: a quantitative review
1Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. johannes.honekopp@unn.ac.uk
Summary
Prenatal testosterone (PT) may increase autism risk but does not significantly impact systemizing or empathizing in the general population. Digit ratio (2D:4D) showed a link to autism, not general cognitive traits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Genetics
Background:
- Prenatal testosterone (PT) is theorized to influence brain development, potentially affecting systemizing, empathizing, and autism risk.
- The 2D:4D digit ratio is considered a potential biomarker for prenatal testosterone exposure in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between empathizing and 2D:4D digit ratio in a nonclinical sample.
- To conduct meta-analyses on the associations between 2D:4D ratio, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), systemizing, and empathizing.
Main Methods:
- An online study measured 2D:4D ratios and empathizing (Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test) in 1896 participants.
- Three meta-analyses were performed to synthesize existing research on 2D:4D and ASD, systemizing, and empathizing.
Main Results:
- No significant correlation was found between empathizing and 2D:4D ratio in either males or females.
- Meta-analyses revealed that individuals with ASD had significantly lower (more masculine) 2D:4D ratios compared to controls (d = -0.58).
- 2D:4D ratio showed minimal association with systemizing and empathizing in the general adult population.
Conclusions:
- The findings support PT as a potential risk factor for autism but challenge its role in driving typical sex differences in systemizing and empathizing.
- A possible interaction effect suggests PT influences ASD-related brain changes only in specific neurological contexts.
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