Investigating the correlation between 2D:4D finger digit ratios and attention gathering skills of 60-72 month-old children.

BACKGROUND: Digit ratio 2D:4D is used to follow children's development process and examine behaviours and abilities.

AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the correlation between the 2D:4D digit ratios of 60-72 month-old children and their attention gathering skills, as well as whether the 2D:4D digit ratio and attention gathering skills of children differ based on independent variables.

METHOD: The sample of the study, designed in the correlational survey model, consisted of a total of 112 children aged 60-72 months who were attending preschool education in Malatya province in Turkey. The data were analysed using SPSS packaged software.

RESULTS: It was determined that there was a positive low significant correlation between attention gathering skills and the right hand 2D:4D digit ratio in 60-72 month-old children. In addition to, no significant difference was found between the children's FTF-K scores and the right hand 2D:4D digit ratio in terms of the variable of mother's status of exercising, but there was a significant difference between their FTF-K scores and the left hand 2D:4D digit ratio in terms of the variable of the mother's status of exercising.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study demonstrate the importance of the study for revealing clues about children's attention gathering/concentration levels from their early periods, and promoting their attention gathering skills and generally their cognitive development.