Abstract:

This study investigates the relationship between the digit ratio (specifically, the ratio of the second to the fourth finger, R_2/4) and mental health status among Chinese Han ethnicity college students in Zhejiang. Mental health, defined as the state of well-being in which every individual realizes their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community, is of paramount concern in the educational context of Chinese universities. This research involved 473 Chinese Han ethnicity college students aged 19 to 22 from Zhejiang province (161 males and 312 females), with an average age of 20.24±0.651 years. The mental health of the participants was assessed using the Chinese version of the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90), and digit ratios were calculated by measuring the linear distance from the midpoint of the proximal crease to the tip of the second to fifth fingers on both hands using an electronic digital caliper. The findings revealed that the average scores for the nine factors of the SCL-90 ranged between 1.409 and 1.973, with females scoring higher than males in all factors except for somatization and hostility, where no significant gender differences were observed. Apart from the R_2/3 and R_3/4 ratios of both hands and the R_2/4 ratio of the left hand (P>0.05), all other digit ratios were significantly higher in females than in males. Among males, the R_3/4 ratio of the left hand was positively correlated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms, whereas the R_4/5 ratio was negatively correlated. The R_2/3 and R_2/4 ratios of the right hand were negatively correlated with interpersonal sensitivity, paranoia, and anxiety, respectively. The R_2/5 ratio was negatively correlated with both interpersonal sensitivity and anxiety. In females, the R_2/4 ratio of the right hand was negatively correlated with interpersonal sensitivity, phobia, and paranoia. The R_3/4 ratio was negatively associated with phobia, while the R_4/5 ratio showed a positive correlation. No significant correlations were found between other digit ratios and the SCL-90 factors. The preliminary results suggest a potential link between digit ratios and mental health status, influenced by a complex interplay of biological, environmental, and experiential factors. Future research should employ diverse methodologies to further validate the relationship between digit ratios and mental health and explore the underlying biological mechanisms. This study not only offers a new perspective for mental health research but also contributes to understanding the biological basis of human behavior and personality.

Key words: Digit ratio, Mental health, SCL-90, Han population