Digit ratio (2D:4D) and mood states in elite female water polo players

Objective The relative length of the second and fourthdigits (2D:4D) has been proposed as a marker of the prenatalandrogen effects, with a relatively longer fourth fingerindicating higher prenatal androgen exposure. Low 2D:4Dhas been reported to correlate with high performance andmood states in sport in general. On the psychological side,tests able to measure specific psychological features andmood states have been used. Here, we examined the relationshipbetween 2D:4D and mood states in elite femalewater polo players.Method We administered the Profile of Mood States(POMS) questioner in 15 players at the beginning (October)and at the end of the competition season (December),as well as 3 months after its end (March).Results We observed a positive relation only between2D:4D ratio and anger. This relation was significant inOctober (r = 0.756, P\0.01) and March (r = 0.733,P\0.01), whereas the significance was not detected inDecember.