The measure of a man: associations between digit ratio and disordered eating in males.
OBJECTIVE
The current study sought to determine whether there is a relationship between prenatal testosterone exposure, as indicated by the digit ratios of the second to fourth fingers (2D:4D ratio), and disordered eating and drive for muscularity in men.


METHODS
Digit ratios were calculated by measuring photocopies of participants' finger lengths. Self-reported body image and eating attitudes and behaviors were assessed.


RESULTS
There were significant correlations between 2D:4D ratio and disordered eating and drive for leanness, indicating that greater prenatal testosterone exposure was associated with less disordered eating and increased drive for muscularity.


CONCLUSIONS
This suggests that greater prenatal testosterone exposure may be protective factor against the development of eating disorders in men. Potential mechanisms are discussed.
Smith
April R
AR
Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306-4301, USA. asmith@psy.fsu.edu
Hawkeswood
Sean E
SE
Joiner
Thomas E
TE
D001294:Attitude to Health; D001823:Body Composition; D001828:Body Image; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005385:Fingers / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012044:Regression Analysis; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires