2D:4D digit ratio and religiosity in university student and general population samples

The ratio of index to ring finger length (2D:4D) is used as a proxy for prenatal sex hormone exposure. It has been hypothesised to correlate with religiosity, though no published research has explored this possibility. Here, we initially examined 2D:4D in relation to self-reported religious affiliation and questionnaire measures of general religiosity, spirituality, religious fundamentalism, and religious commitment in male (N = 106) and female (N = 105) university students (Study 1). Although no significant correlations were observed between 2D:4D and the questionnaire measures, females who affiliated with organised religions had higher right and left hand digit ratios compared to agnostic or atheist females. Study 2 attempted to replicate these findings in an adult general population sample (N = 172 males, N = 257 females), but did not observe significant effects in either sex. Overall, these findings suggest that high 2D:4D may be relatively-specifically associated with increased religious affiliation in young, highly-educated, females.This work was supported by a Student Research Grant from the European Human Behaviour and Evolution Association (EHBEA), and an Experimental Psychology Society (EPS) Grindley Grant awarded to GR. The work was partially undertaken within the Medical Research Council UK Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics (MR/L010305/1). The funders played no role in study design, data collection, analysis and interpretation, writing of the manuscript, or the decision to submit the article for publication

Reconfiguring Evidence-Based Practice for Occupational Therapists

Aims: Evidence-based practice is an approach to clinical decision making which combines the best available evidence with individual patient care. Debate as to what makes good evidence and how this should be applied in practice as well as ambiguity about the meaning of evidence-based practice and concern regarding its conflict with other models of occupational therapy, have created uncertainty for occupational therapists attempting to become ‘evidence-based’. The aim of this study was to explore the meanings attributed to evidence-based practice by occupational therapists and to propose a definition and framework of evidence-based practice that reflects participants’ perceptions. Method: A mixed methodology qualitative design incorporating focus groups, in-depth interviews and observation was used to explore perceptions of evidence-based practice by occupational therapists at one setting in England. Findings: The findings indicate that evidence-based practice is typically associated with use of research but that this is only partially relevant to occupational therapy and the treatment of individuals. A definition of and framework for evidence-based occupational therapy which reflects these findings is presented. Conclusion: Acknowledgement of a range of evidence, from research findings to clients’ self-reports, corresponds with participants’ conception of clinical reasoning as a complex process that takes multiple factors into account. This, together with participants’ client-centred approach and emphasis on the human experience of health encounters, forms the basis of a reconfiguration of evidence-based occupational therapy

Challenging the dominant voice: the multiple evidence sources of occupational therapy

Evidence-based practice is the buzzword of policy makers, managers and practitioners alike and yet there is confusion as to what it actually means and how it should be implemented in practice. One difficulty arises from the inherent tension between theories derived from research (particularly large-scale clinical trials) and practice based upon the needs of individuals. In this opinion piece, data from the authors' own research are used to advocate an alternative model of evidence-based practice, which recognises the value of multiple sources of evidence and which is congruent with occupational therapy philosophy