A context dependent interpretation of inconsistencies in 2D: 4D findings: The moderating role of status relevance

Kobe Millet*, Florian Buehler

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Whereas direct relationships between 2D:4D and dominance related attitudes or behavior often turn out to be weak, some literature suggests that the relation between 2D:4D and dominance is context-specific. That is, especially in status-challenging situations 2D:4D may be related to dominant behavior and its correlates. Based on this perspective, we interpret inconsistencies in the literature on the relation between 2D:4D and risk taking, aggression and dominance related outcomes and investigate in our empirical study how attitudes in low 2D:4D men may change as a function of the status relevance of the context. We provide evidence for the idea that status relevance of the particular situation at hand influences the attitude towards performance-enhancing means for low 2D:4D men, but not for high 2D:4D men. We argue that 2D:4D may be related to any behavior that is functional to attain status in a specific context. Implications for (economic) decision making are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Article number254
Pages (from-to)1-9
Number of pages9
JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience
Volume11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 17 Jan 2018

Keywords

  • 2D:4D
  • Context
  • Digit ratio
  • Dominance
  • Economic decision making
  • Performance
  • Social status

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