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Digit ratio, personality and emotions in skydivers
Simona Massimino1, Sergio Rinella1, Andrea Buscemi2,3
1Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, I-95123 Catania, Italy.
Biomedical Reports
|December 28, 2018
Summary
The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) in expert skydivers is linked to reduced precaution, not increased risk-taking. Lower 2D:4D ratios predict less attentive behavior in risky situations.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Human Biology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- The second-to-fourth digit length ratio (2D:4D) is a proposed marker of prenatal androgen exposure.
- Digit ratio has been explored for associations with various behaviors and personality traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between 2D:4D ratio and risk-taking propensity in expert skydivers.
- To assess the relationship between 2D:4D ratio and anxiety/emotion regulation skills in this group.
Main Methods:
- Measured the 2D:4D ratio of the right hand in 41 expert skydivers.
- Administered the Big Five Questionnaire-2 (BFQ-2), Profile of Mood States (POMS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y), and a Risk-Taking Inventory.
Main Results:
- Lower 2D:4D ratios were associated with lower precaution-taking, not higher risk-taking.
- Conscientiousness and agreeableness were the only personality traits correlating with 2D:4D ratio.
- A positive correlation was found between 2D:4D values and trait anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Lower 2D:4D ratio may predict less attentive precautionary behavior in risk-taking contexts.
- The findings suggest digit ratio is not a predictor of risk-taking propensity but rather of cautiousness.
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