Raise your hand if you think I am attractive: Second and fourth digit ratio as a predictor of self- and other-ratings of attractiveness

The 2D:4D digit ratio is sexually dimorphic where males have a lower 2D:4D than females. That is, the 4th digit (ring) is longer than the 2nd digit (index) in males. Researchers suggest that prenatal influences account for sex and ethnic differences found in 2D:4D (Manning, 2002; Manning et al., 2000). The current study examines the prenatal effects and their relationship to judgments of facial attractiveness over two levels each of gender (male, female) and ethnicity (Hispanic, Anglo). Findings indicate that 2D:4D is not a good predictor of self- or perceived-attractiveness regardless of gender and ethnicity. These results suggest that developmental timing and/or experimental methods may account for the non-significant findings. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.