Can 2nd to 4th Digit Ratio (2D:4D) give an Indication of Increased Creativity when Sexually Aroused?

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether there was a link between increased creative ability and levels of prenatal testosterone exposure. The study was inspired by the research of Griskevicious, Cialdini & Kenrick, 2006 who found that the males participant’s level of creativity increased after sexual priming. It was suggested that creative abilities could be used to entice a prospective partner, and could therefore be sexually selected. Levels of increased creativity were correlated with 2D:4D ratio; an indication of prenatal testosterone exposure (Manning, Scutt, Wilson & Lewis-Jones, 1998). Stories written by male participants (N = 74) were compared before and after priming. It was hypothesised that the stories written after the mating cue was administered would show increased levels of creativity and that creativity scores would be negatively correlated with 2D:4D ratio. Non-significant results were found (F (1, 71) = .003, p > .05). Spatial ability and 2D:4D ratio was also tested with a mental rotation task in order to investigate the impact calculated 2D:4D ratio had on other abilities such as mental rotation. No significant relationship was found between the time taken to complete the spatial ability task and 2D:4D ratio (r = -.030, p > .01).