Moscow University
Anthropology
Bulletin
Anthropology
Bulletin
1) RAS Miklukho-Maklay Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Leninsky av., 32a, Moscow, 119334, Russia; 2) Russian State University for the Humanities, Miusskaya sq., 6, 2, Moscow, 125047, Russia; 3) National Research University Higher School of Economics, Myasnitskaya st., 20, Moscow, 101000, Russia
Apalkova Yulia I., Researcher, julia.apalkova@gmail.com; Bronnikova Natalia K., Researcher, natabro@gmail.com; Butovskaya Marina L., PhD, D. Sc., professor; ORCID ID 0000-0002-5528-0519; marina.butovskaya@gmail.com.
Introduction. A propensity for physical risk-taking is one of the component of the masculine evolutionary stable strategy, characteristic for men and associated with androgenization. It is suggested, that that 2D:4D and handgrip strength may serve as indirect indicators of androgenization. The goal of the current study is to determine the complex of psychological and behavioral traits typical for male risk-takers and to demonstrate the high adaptive value of this morpho-psychotype in modern society. Materials and methods. Here we present the results of psychological testing and anthropometry of two professional groups of high-risking men: militaries from SWAT and men, engaged in extreme sports. The group of male students from Moscow served as the control. The total sample size is 375 men with the age range between 19 and 42 years. Anthropometry was represented by 2D:4D ratios on both hands and hand-grip strength on both hands as well. The psychological part contained personality traits questionnaire, self-ratings on aggression and dominance, risk-taking questionnaire and empathy scale. Results. Two groups of risk-taking men presented in our study rated significantly lower on 2D:4D and higher on hand-grip strength compared to control. They also demonstrated a higher level of forbearing and conscientiousness, as well as better control of anger and hostility. Along with it, representatives of these two professional groups started their sexual life earlier and were more oriented on the acquisition of new experience, compared to control. Discussion. We suggest that the combination of traits mentioned above characterize the morpho-psychological complex that provided reproductive and economic success for males in the evolutionary past. In modern industrial society, the ability to take various risks remained to be a successful male strategy.
risk-taking; morpho-psycho complexes; sportsmen; professional militaries; 2D:4D; personality traits
DOI: 10.32521/2074-8132.2018.4.067-076
Цит.: Apalkova Y.I., Bronnikova N.K., Butovskaya M.L. Sustainable combinations of morpho-functional and personality traits of men engaged in high-risk professions // Moscow University Anthropology Bulletin (Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta. Seria XXIII. Antropologia), 2018; 4/2018; с. 67-76
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