Phoenix R. Crane’s ORCID record Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-18-2026
Abstract
This study explored the relationships between 2D:4D ratio, a biological marker influenced by prenatal androgen exposure, and personality traits among members of the BDSM community. The 2D:4D ratio, calculated by dividing the length of the second (index) finger by the length of the fourth (ring) finger, is a non-invasive measure of prenatal exposure to androgens, with a smaller 2D:4D ratio associated with higher levels of testosterone exposure. Previous, albeit conflicting, research suggests that higher levels of testosterone are associated with dominance, aggression, risk-taking, and sensation-seeking. The present study draws on these findings to propose an androgenization of power play roles. Data from a sample of 250 adult BDSMers, self-identified as Dominant or submissive, suggest significant differences in right-hand digit ratio based on gender and power play role. Moreover, the hypothesized negative correlation between digit ratio and risk-taking, as well as the positive correlation between digit ratio and neuroticism, were supported. The present findings enhance understanding of the role of biological factors in personality and identity development, while expanding existing literature on the implications of 2D:4D ratios in specialized populations.
Recommended Citation
Crane, P. R. (2026). Are 2D:4D Finger-Length Ratios Related to BDSM Power Play Roles? An Exploratory Study. Sexes, 7(3), 43. https://doi.org/10.3390/sexes7030043
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Comments
Funding: This research was funded by DePauw University, grant names “J. William and Katherine C. Asher Endowed Research Fund” and “Professional Development Fund”.
Acknowledgments:
A special thank you to CLAW Corps, the Leather Archives & Museum, and other local BDSM and fetish organizations for creating an extraordinary space that facilitates open discussions about alternative lifestyles and fosters connection among kink practitioners. I am also grateful to the online BDSM and kink community and several subreddit moderators for their un-wavering support of this research as well as providing valuable resources for community members.
My sincere appreciation also goes to the research assistants whose hard work and commitment were vital to the success of this study. Lastly, I extend gratitude to my participants, as this research would not have been possible without their instrumental contributions. During the preparation of this work the author used ChatGPT (https://chat.openai.com/) and Google Search (AI Mode; https://www.google.com/) to improve the readability and language of the work. After using these tools, the author reviewed and edited the output as needed and takes full responsibility for the content of the publication.