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Association between a marker for prenatal testosterone exposure and externalizing behavior problems in children.
Jianghong Liu1, Jill Portnoy, Adrian Raine
1Department of Criminology, University of Pennsylvania, 3809 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Development and Psychopathology
|July 12, 2012
Summary
Higher prenatal androgen exposure, indicated by finger length ratios, was linked to increased aggression and attention problems in young boys. This suggests prenatal hormones may influence childhood externalizing behaviors, particularly in males.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Pediatric Psychiatry
Background:
- Prenatal androgen exposure is linked to adult aggression.
- Its association with childhood externalizing behaviors is less understood.
- This study investigates prenatal androgens and childhood behavioral issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if increased prenatal androgen exposure correlates with childhood aggression and attention problems.
- To examine the 2D:4D digit ratio as a marker for prenatal testosterone.
- To assess these associations in Chinese schoolchildren.
Main Methods:
- Assessed the second to fourth digit length ratio (2D:4D) in 239 fifth graders (boys and girls) in Jintan, China.
- Collected parent and teacher ratings of aggression and attention problems.
- Controlled for early adversity in statistical analyses.
Main Results:
- Lower 2D:4D ratios (indicating higher prenatal androgens) were significantly associated with increased aggression and attention problems in boys.
- No significant associations were found in girls.
- These effects persisted after controlling for early adversity.
Conclusions:
- Provides evidence linking prenatal androgen exposure to child psychopathology (externalizing behaviors) in Chinese children.
- The effect size in boys was stronger than in Western adult studies.
- Suggests prenatal androgen influences on externalizing behaviors may be sex-specific, with boys being more vulnerable.
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