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"Evidence for a robust, estradiol-associated sex difference in narrative-writing fluency": Correction
Oliver C Schultheiss1, Martin G Köllner1, Holger Busch2
1Department of Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander University.
Neuropsychology
|July 29, 2021
Summary
Women demonstrate superior narrative writing fluency, an advantage linked to estradiol levels and reproductive stage. This sex difference is particularly pronounced in individuals with higher prenatal estradiol exposure.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Endocrinology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Existing research on sex differences in verbal fluency, particularly those linked to estradiol, has yielded conflicting results.
- Narrative writing fluency offers a distinct measure of verbal ability that may reveal more robust sex differences.
- This study addresses the debate by re-examining the estradiol-associated sex difference in narrative writing fluency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sex difference in narrative writing fluency.
- To determine if estradiol levels mediate this sex difference.
- To explore the moderating role of prenatal hormone exposure on this effect.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of 98 studies (N = 11,528) involving biological sex and storytelling.
- Primary data analysis of 797 participants, including measures of salivary hormones and digit ratio.
- Statistical examination of moderating factors such as cue type, response modality, and age.
Main Results:
- Women exhibited significantly higher narrative writing fluency than men (d = 0.31).
- This effect was moderated by cue type, response modality, and age, with a notable female advantage in premenopausal adults.
- Estradiol concentration was a significant mediator, and this mediation was moderated by digit ratio, an indicator of prenatal hormone exposure.
Conclusions:
- A robust female advantage in narrative writing fluency is evident, particularly during the reproductive life stage.
- This advantage is associated with current estradiol concentrations and influenced by prenatal hormone exposure.
- The findings support a biologically informed understanding of sex differences in language production.
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