The relationship between the length of the second and fourth (2D:4D) fingers of male university students and religion

Abstract

Background: The ratio of the second- (2D) to fourth (4D) digit lengths of hand (2D:4D) is a proxy marker of the relative testosterone and estrogen concentration during a relatively narrow period of fetal development that might affect behavioral and personality characteristics. Aim: To estimate the differences in 2D:4D between different religious groups among a sample of young adult males in Mongolia. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and sixty-five Mongolian male students with mean age of 20.5 (SD=1.7) years from different universities in Ulan Bator, were included in the study. Information on age, religious afÏliation, marital status and parental education were obtained directly from each study participant. Digit lengths were measured from scanned images by using the ImageJ software 1.53 K. One-way analysis of variance was employed to evaluate whether they were significant differences in 2D:4D ratio between groups, along with Scheffe’s post hoc comparison. Results: Study participants significantly differed in 2D:4D across religion. Left 2D:4D, but not the right, showed a significant difference between religions, with Muslims exhibiting the highest 2D:4D mean and the lowest DR_L. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the 2D:4D ratio is related to the participants’ religion. However, the distinctiveness of the Muslim students from study.