Digit ratio, personality and emotions in skydivers

  • Authors:
    • Simona Massimino
    • Sergio Rinella
    • Andrea Buscemi
    • Elisa Similia
    • Vincenzo Perciavalle
    • Valentina Perciavalle
    • Maria Cristina Petralia
    • Donatella Di Corrado
    • Annarita Laspina
    • Marinella Coco
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: November 26, 2018     https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2018.1174
  • Pages: 39-46
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Abstract

The aim of the present study was investigate if there is an association between second‑to‑fourth digit length (2D:4D) ratio and personality factors capable of serving as predictors of individual choice towards high‑risk activities in a group of experts skydivers; Furthermore, their skills in regulating anxiety and emotions were assessed. The 2D:4D ratio of the right hand of 41 expert skydivers was measured and each of them completed four questionnaires: Big Five Questionnaire‑2 (BFQ‑2), Profile of Mood States (POMS), State‑Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y (STAI‑Y) and Risk‑Taking Inventory. Lower 2D:4D ratios did not appear associated with a greater propensity for taking risks but rather with a lower aptitude to assume precautions in unsafe conditions. In fact, the only sub‑dimensions of personality, analyzed by the BFQ‑2, correlated with the 2D:4D ratio were conscientiousness and agreeableness. Furthermore, prior to launch, the skydiver's level of stress, measured by the POMS, or state anxiety, measured by the STAI‑Y, was not significantly correlated with 2D:4D ratio; whereas there was significant positive correlation between 2D:4D values and trait anxiety. Data analysis further revealed that social desirability correlated negatively with state anxiety and total mood disturbance index, and positively with emotion control. The present results suggest that lower 2D:4D ratio may represent a significant predictor of less attentive precautionary behavior when risk‑taking.
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January-2019
Volume 10 Issue 1

Print ISSN: 2049-9434
Online ISSN:2049-9442

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Spandidos Publications style
Massimino S, Rinella S, Buscemi A, Similia E, Perciavalle V, Perciavalle V, Petralia MC, Di Corrado D, Laspina A, Coco M, Coco M, et al: Digit ratio, personality and emotions in skydivers. Biomed Rep 10: 39-46, 2019
APA
Massimino, S., Rinella, S., Buscemi, A., Similia, E., Perciavalle, V., Perciavalle, V. ... Coco, M. (2019). Digit ratio, personality and emotions in skydivers. Biomedical Reports, 10, 39-46. https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2018.1174
MLA
Massimino, S., Rinella, S., Buscemi, A., Similia, E., Perciavalle, V., Perciavalle, V., Petralia, M. C., Di Corrado, D., Laspina, A., Coco, M."Digit ratio, personality and emotions in skydivers". Biomedical Reports 10.1 (2019): 39-46.
Chicago
Massimino, S., Rinella, S., Buscemi, A., Similia, E., Perciavalle, V., Perciavalle, V., Petralia, M. C., Di Corrado, D., Laspina, A., Coco, M."Digit ratio, personality and emotions in skydivers". Biomedical Reports 10, no. 1 (2019): 39-46. https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2018.1174