The Evolution of Digit Ratio (2D:4D) From 1998 to 2025: A Bibliometric Analysis
American Journal of Human Biology, cilt.38, sa.7, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 38 Sayı: 7
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1002/ajhb.70304
- Dergi Adı: American Journal of Human Biology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Anthropological Literature, BIOSIS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biological Science Database (ProQuest), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: 2D:4D, bibliometric analysis, digit ratio, finger ratio, science mapping, sexual dimorphism
- Hacettepe Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Introduction: The second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) has been extensively investigated as a potential biomarker of prenatal sex hormone exposure across biological, psychological, and behavioral sciences. Despite rapid growth in this field, a comprehensive evaluation of its developmental course and conceptual framework has been limited. Methods: This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global 2D:4D research from 1998 to 2025. Bibliometrix (R software) and VOSviewer were employed to evaluate publication trends, influential authors, countries, institutions, journals, collaboration networks, keyword co-occurrence, and co-citation structures. Results: A total of 1692 articles and reviews were included. The results reveal a steady growth in publications, with an average annual increase of 17.51%, alongside expanding international collaboration. Early studies focused on sexual dimorphism, prenatal androgen exposure, and developmental biology, whereas recent research emphasizes psychological traits, stress-related outcomes, and health associations. Keyword and co-citation analyses identified multiple thematic clusters, highlighting the interdisciplinary evolving nature of the field. Conclusion: Overall, this study demonstrates the historical evolution, current landscape, and emerging trends of 2D:4D research. The findings underscore the need for greater methodological standardization, increased use of longitudinal and cross-cultural designs, and closer integration of biological and translational models to advance future research.