The 2D:4D ratio and its relationship with other androgenisation parameters in parents of individuals with autism spectrum disorders

Authors

  • Ángel Romero-Martínez Department of Psychobiology. Faculty of Psychology. University of Valencia
  • Sara De-Andrés-García Department of Psychobiology. Faculty of Psychology. University of Valencia
  • Patricia Sariñana-González Department of Psychobiology. Faculty of Psychology. University of Valencia
  • María Victoria Sanchis-Calatayud Department of Psychobiology. Faculty of Psychology. University of Valencia
  • Esperanza González-Bono Department of Psychobiology. Faculty of Psychology. University of Valencia
  • Luis Moya-Albiol Department of Psychobiology. Faculty of Psychology. University of Valencia
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6018/analesps.29.1.135501
Keywords: androgenisation, cortisol, 2D, 4D ratio, autism spectrum disorders, testosterone.

Abstract

The 2D:4D ratio is the quotient between the index and ring finger lengths and is a non-direct indicator of androgenisation. If prenatal testosterone levels in the amniotic fluid are high then the probability increases of developing lower ratio values. It has been suggested that people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their parents may have highly androgenised brains, and for this reason the 2D:4D ratio is used as a marker of such idiosyncrasies. This study aims to analyse if parents of people with ASD differ from the general population in several parameters of androgenisation related to the 2D:4D ratio. The sample was composed of 43 parents of offspring with ASD and 42 controls who had the 2D:4D ratio measured, answered several trait questionnaires, and had their testosterone and cortisol levels measured. Although there were no differences between groups in the 2D:4D ratio, the left hand of the ASD parents showed greater predictive ability to explain empathy and autism quotients, cooperative behaviour, and cortisol levels. In addition, the severity of the symptoms of their offspring was predicted only with male parents. The results indicate that the 2D:4D ratio could be used together with other parameters as an indicator of the likelihood of developing autistic traits in offspring.

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Author Biography

Ángel Romero-Martínez, Department of Psychobiology. Faculty of Psychology. University of Valencia

Departamento psicobiología, Facultat Psicologia, Investigador en formación
How to Cite
Romero-Martínez, Ángel, De-Andrés-García, S., Sariñana-González, P., Sanchis-Calatayud, M. V., González-Bono, E., & Moya-Albiol, L. (2013). The 2D:4D ratio and its relationship with other androgenisation parameters in parents of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Anales de Psicología / Annals of Psychology, 29(1), 264–271. https://doi.org/10.6018/analesps.29.1.135501
Issue
Vol. 29 No. 1 (2013)
Section
Psychobiology

 

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