Journal article
Use of crowdsourced images for determining 2D:4D and relationship to pro‑environmental variables
Acta Ethologica, Vol.25(3), pp.165-178
2022
PMCID: PMC9452876
PMID: 36097527
Abstract
The primary purpose of this study was to examine whether 2D:4D ratios (a putative measure of prenatal androgen exposure) could be determined using participant-submitted hand images. The secondary purpose was to examine whether 2D:4D ratio was associated with pro-environmental behaviors, attitudes, and empathy, given the recent literature linking sex to environmental attitudes and actions. Participants (N = 1065) were asked via an online survey to submit a clear photograph of their right hand, palm side up. Participants also completed a questionnaire to assess (a) demographics, (b) dispositional empathy, and (c) environmental attitudes and behavior. A 2D:4D ratio was calculated for each participant, and the quality of each image was classified as poor, moderate, or good. We then examined the reliability of the 2D:4D image measurements, and the relationship between 2D:4D and our environmental measures. 2D:4D ratios fell somewhat outside of previously reported ranges, but the measurements did show acceptable intra-rater consistency. Although we did not find a sex difference in 2D:4D, we did find a sex by ratio interaction for both empathy and the number of pro-environmental behaviors in which individuals had engaged. Specifically, as 2D:4D ratio increased, males reported lower empathy and less engagement in pro-environmental behaviors, whereas females reported more engagement in pro-environmental behaviors (but no differences in empathy). These findings were contrary to expectations, as we anticipated that greater digit ratios (i.e., feminized) would be associated with greater empathy and pro-environmental behaviors. Overall, the findings of this study present a preliminary examination of the utility of measuring digit ratio with online samples. Furthermore, our results provide information regarding the complex relationship between sex and pro-environmental behaviors.
Details
- Title
- Use of crowdsourced images for determining 2D:4D and relationship to pro‑environmental variables
- Authors
- Gary Pickering (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Sustainability Research CentreNicholas Anger (Author) - Brock UniversityJulia Baird (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Sustainability Research CentreGillian Dale (Author) - Brock UniversityGlenn J Tattersall (Author) - Brock University
- Publication details
- Acta Ethologica, Vol.25(3), pp.165-178
- Publisher
- Springer
- DOI
- 10.1007/s10211-022-00401-5
- ISSN
- 1437-9546
- PMID
- 36097527; PMC9452876
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Sustainability Research Centre
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99676396502621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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