Digit ratio is linked to affective empathy in women

Vera Kempe; Emer Heffernan

doi:10.1016/j.paid.2010.10.024

Digit ratio is linked to affective empathy in women

Vera Kempe, Emer Heffernan

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We tested whether links exist between 2D:4D and affective vs. cognitive empathy. Sixty men and sixty women completed a questionnaire testing these two aspects of empathy. Finger lengths were measured directly using digital callipers. The results showed a positive relationship between left 2D:4D and affective empathy in women when right 2D:4D and age were controlled. These findings suggest that prenatal testosterone exposure may exert organisational effects on affective reactions to other individuals’ affective states more than on Theory of Mind or social skills.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	430-433
Number of pages	4
Journal	Personality and Individual Differences
Volume	50
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2010.10.024
Publication status	Published - Feb 2011

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Kempe, V., & Heffernan, E. (2011). Digit ratio is linked to affective empathy in women. Personality and Individual Differences, 50(3), 430-433. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2010.10.024

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Access to Document

10.1016/j.paid.2010.10.024