Moscow University
Anthropology
Bulletin
Anthropology
Bulletin
1) RAS Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Moscow; 2) Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of History, Moscow; 3) Russian State University for the Humanities, Moscow
The purpose of this study was to analyze the possible relationship between the 2D:4D ratio as the main non-invasive biological marker of prenatal androgenization and several behavioral traits in a sample of parachutists (members of profession associated with a high degree of risk); and to identify the differences between this group and control sample in several behavioural characteristics, associated with masculinity, and in expression of personality traits, associated with hormonal status. The study was conducted in 2015–2016 in Moscow and Moscow region. The study surveyed 65 parachutists (men). A control sample (students of Moscow universities, not engaged in extreme sports) is represented by 109 individuals. The average age of athletes is 27,5 years; the median age in the control group is 21,2 years. Length measurements of the 2nd and 4th fingers for the calculation of the 2D:4D ratios were carried twice on both hands, following the method of John. Manning (Manning, Taylor, 2001), using a Vernier caliper (accuracy 0,01 mm). Digit ratios were calculated for each hand by dividing the length of the second finger on that of the fourth. The calculations used the average value of the length of each finger. The differences in 2D:4D ratios were consistent with the following expectations: 2D:4D ratios were significantly lower (or masculine) in parachutists compared to control group of males. The studied sample of athlete parachutists was significantly different from the control in the expression of personality traits, self-esteem, and in the aggression scores (using verbal, anger and hostility scales). Parachutists rate themselves lower on «neuroticism», «openness to experience», «freedom», «searching for new experience» and demonstrate higher scores on «extraversion» and «honesty», «cooperation», «adventurousness». We discover significant correlations between the 2D:4D ratios and several behavioral traits. In particular, we found positive correlation between the right hand 2D:4D and «openness to experience» in parachutists, and between left hand 2D:4D and «neuroticism» and «openness to experience» in control. It is concluded that the parachutists were significantly different from the control group in their morphopsychotype.
2D:4D, prenatal androgenization, aggression, 5-factor personality questionnaire, the parachutists, males
Цит.: Butovskaya M.L., Apalkova Y.I., Fedenok J.N. 2D:4D, self-rated aggression, risk taking and personality traits in parachutists // Moscow University Anthropology Bulletin (Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta. Seria XXIII. Antropologia), 2017; 2/2017; с. 54-60
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