The Relationship between Second-to-Fourth Digit Ratios, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms, Aggression, and Intelligence Levels in Boys with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

The associations between 2D:4D ratio and behavior problems among Chinese preschool children: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Digit ratio (2D:4D) is considered a biomarker of prenatal androgen activity, the prenatal hormone exposure may affect children's psychology and behavior.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the associations between 2D:4D ratio and behavior problems in Chinese preschool children, and to provide ideas for early intervention of children's behavior problems.

METHODS

A total of 548 Chinese preschool children aged 3-6 years were recruited using a stratified cluster sampling method. The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was used to assess the children's behavior. Basic information of the children and their parents was also collected, finger length was directly measured by electronic vernier caliper.

RESULTS

We found that sex and age of the child, mother's educational level, and whether the child was an only child were the influencing factors of behavior problems (P < 0.05). Right-handed 2D:4D was negatively correlated with parent-reported anxiety/depression (P < 0.05), father-reported aggression (P < 0.05) and attention problems (P < 0.01), that is, high levels of testosterone may increase the risk of anxiety and depression, our results were in contrast to previous studies.

CONCLUSION

The 2D:4D ratio may be related to behavior problems among Chinese preschool children, and prenatal testosterone exposure may be an important factor affecting behavior problems.

Investigating the correlation between 2D:4D finger digit ratios and attention gathering skills of 60-72 month-old children

BACKGROUND

Digit ratio 2D:4D is used to follow children's development process and examine behaviours and abilities.

AIM

The aim of this study is to determine the correlation between the 2D:4D digit ratios of 60-72 month-old children and their attention gathering skills, as well as whether the 2D:4D digit ratio and attention gathering skills of children differ based on independent variables.

METHOD

The sample of the study, designed in the correlational survey model, consisted of a total of 112 children aged 60-72 months who were attending preschool education in Malatya province in Turkey. The data were analysed using SPSS packaged software.

RESULTS

It was determined that there was a positive low significant correlation between attention gathering skills and the right hand 2D:4D digit ratio in 60-72 month-old children. In addition to, no significant difference was found between the children's FTF-K scores and the right hand 2D:4D digit ratio in terms of the variable of mother's status of exercising, but there was a significant difference between their FTF-K scores and the left hand 2D:4D digit ratio in terms of the variable of the mother's status of exercising.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the study demonstrate the importance of the study for revealing clues about children's attention gathering/concentration levels from their early periods, and promoting their attention gathering skills and generally their cognitive development.