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New Study Points Fingers At Alpha Males

Lindy Tolbert |
November 13, 2010 | 8:45 p.m. PST

Staff Reporter

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All right everyone, hand check!

Concordia University just released a study showing men with short index fingers may have higher risk-taking and financial potential because of exposure to high amounts of prenatal testosterone.

Senior researcher Gad Saad says prenatal exposure to large amounts of testosterone predisposes the brain to risk-taking and hinders the growth of the index finger.

"Previous studies have linked high testosterone levels with risky behavior and financial success," says Saad. “We investigated the relationship between prenatal testosterone and various risk proclivities. Our findings show an association between high testosterone and risk-taking among males in three domains: recreational, social and financial."

The study, which examined 413 college students, measured the ratio between the middle and index finger and how it correlates with prenatal testosterone levels.

"Prenatal testosterone exposure not only influences fetal brain development," adds researcher Zack Mendenhall, "but it also slows the growth of the index finger relative to the sum of the four fingers excluding the thumb."

Researchers used the rel2 ratio, which is the length of the index finger compared with all the other fingers (excluding the thumb). Men who had lower rel2 ratios, indicating larger amounts of prenatal testosterone, were more likely to be risk takers, be it with money, sports, or romantic relationships.

The study also compared the ratios of the index finger and the ring finger (2D:4D)—ratios that were only recorded as occurring in men.

"A possible explanation for the null effects in women is that they do not engage in risky behavior as a mating signal, whereas men do," says Saad.

"Since women tend to be attracted to men who are fit, assertive and rich, men are apt to take risks with sports, people and money to be attractive to potential mates. What's interesting is that this tendency is influenced by testosterone exposure -- more testosterone in the womb can lead to more risks in the rink, the bar and the trading floor in later in life," said Eric Stenstrom, a doctoral student and researcher at Concordia.

To reach reporter Lindy Tolbert, click here.



 

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