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The measure of a man: Associations between digit ratio and disordered eating in males
Author(s) -
Smith April R.,
Hawkeswood Sean E.,
Joiner Thomas E.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/eat.20736
Subject(s) - digit ratio , disordered eating , psychology , testosterone (patch) , eating disorders , developmental psychology , prenatal exposure , prenatal development , endocrinology , clinical psychology , medicine , gestation , pregnancy , biology , genetics
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. Method 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. Discussion This suggests that greater prenatal testosterone exposure may be protective factor against the development of eating disorders in men. Potential mechanisms are discussed. © 2009 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2010; 43:543–548