Sociosexual orientation and 2D:4D ratios in women: Relationship to men's desirability ratings as a long-term pair bond

Arch Sex Behav. 2014 Feb;43(2):319-27. doi: 10.1007/s10508-013-0201-2. Epub 2013 Dec 20.

Abstract

The current study examined whether men's ratings of women's desirability as a long-term pairbond, based on static photographs, were related to the women's second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio and their sexual attitudes and behavior. The 2D:4D ratio was measured in 164 women and facial photographs were taken of 55 of these women. All women completed the Sociosexual Orientation Inventory (SOI). Male participants (n = 89), masked to this information, rated the 55 female participants on their desirability as a long-term sexual partner, specifically along dimensions of faithfulness, youthfulness, and attractiveness. Ten independent judges rated women's photographed faces on masculinity. Results indicated a significant negative relationship between women's SOI scores and men's faithfulness ratings (more unrestricted sociosexuality was associated with lower faithfulness ratings). There was also a significant positive relationship between right (but not left) 2D:4D ratio and faithfulness ratings (women with female-like ratios were rated as being more faithful). The SOI scores of the women were not related to 2D:4D ratios. These results suggest that the potential for sexual infidelity can be gleaned from static facial cues.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude
  • Choice Behavior
  • Cues
  • Face*
  • Female
  • Fingers / anatomy & histology*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Masculinity*
  • Motivation
  • Personality Inventory
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Sexual Behavior*
  • Sexual Partners*
  • Visual Perception
  • Women