Saturday, May 16, 2015

Finger Length Ratio and Personality

If you have a Facebook or Twitter account, you have probably seen this illustration of the 2D (2nd digit, or index finger) to 4D (4th digit, aka ring finger) ratio.  


Illustration of the three possible 2D:4D ratio outcomes. Source: Higher Perspective 

Have a look at your hands, and in particular, the length of your fingers. Compare the length of your index finger (the second digit), to that of your ring finger aka the 4th digit. If your 2d digit is shorter, you will have a 2D:4D ratio less than one. If your index finger is longer, you'll have a ratio greater than one. If your two digits are the same length, you will have a 2D:4D ratio of one (or very close to it).

But of what significance is this? It turns out that the amount of testosterone present in the womb influences the 2D:4D ratio. A growing body of research tracing back to the late 1800s indicates that the amount of testosterone present in the womb also helps determine one's personality. Wikipedia offers the following:

"It has been suggested by some scientists that the ratio of [the] two digits ... is affected by exposure to androgens e.g. testosterone while in the uterus, and that this 2D:4D ratio can be considered a crude measure for prenatal androgen exposure, with lower 2D:4D ratios pointing to higher prenatal androgen exposure."
And
"A number of studies have shown a correlation between the 2D:4D ratio and various physical and behavioral traits."

Some examples of physical and behavioral traits are shown in a table. In the area of cognition and personality, low digit ratios are associated with:

  • Assertiveness in females
  • Aggression in males
  • Masculinity of handwriting
  • Perceived 'dominance' and masculinity of man's face
  • In an orchestral context, rank and musical ability in males
  • Academic performance
  • Maths ability

By comparison, in the same cognition and personality topic area, high digit ratios are associated with:

  • Personality traits correlated with digit ratio, higher being more feminized
  • Paranormal and superstitious beliefs among men with a higher digit ratio
  • Higher exam scores among male students


One version of the so-called Finger Length Personality Test currently making the rounds was published April 17, 2015 at Higher Perspective. Entitled, "Here’s What Your Finger Length Reveals About Your Personality," this version comes with an explanation of the results that seems to hold true for myself and everyone I have checked (so far).

A) The charming but pragmatic one
Low digit ratio: People who have a ring finger longer than the index finger tend to be charming and irresistible to some at least. A’s are the ones who can talk themselves out of just about any situation. Additionally, they’re aggressive and excellent problem solvers. They tend to be incredibly compassionate and are often scientists, engineers, soldiers, and crossword puzzle masters.
B) The confident, get-it-done type
High digit ratio: People with shorter ring fingers than index fingers are the self-confident, get-it-done types. They love solitude in which to work and accomplish the things they need to do, but that doesn't necessarily indicate introversion. They’re very goal oriented and don’t like to be disturbed. They appreciate what they have but often hunger for more.
C) The peacenik
C’s are the peace-loving conflict-avoiding types. People with even ring and index finger length are well organized and want nothing but to get along with everyone. They are faithful in relationships, tender and caring partners, but beware: C’s have a fiery core that while suppressed in normal day-to-day activities can be dangerous if unleashed. They might be peaceniks, but please, stay on their good side.
So go ahead, look at your digits and figure out whether you are an A, B, or C. Do you agree with Higher Perspective's analysis?

The length of your ring fingers was determined before birth. What other aspects of your physiology and personality were similarly "baked in" with no active choice on your part? 


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