Title:A Study of Dermatoglyphics Patterns in Relation to the Levels of Perceived
Stress
Volume: 5
Author(s): Isra Ishtiaq Shakir, Sadaf Sheikhi, Marwa Mahmood, Naba Khan, Ramya Rathan*Miral Salama
Affiliation:
- College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE
Keywords:
Dermatoglyphics, Perceived stress, Fingerprints, Loops, Whorls, Arches, Radial loop.
Abstract:
Background:
Dermatoglyphics is the study of dermal ridge configuration on the skin of the fingers and palms, which can be used to diagnose chromosomal
disorders and individual identification. Stress is characterized by feeling overwhelmed with mental or emotional pressure and evokes a biological
response when any intrinsic or extrinsic stimulus is applied. Stress can cause acute effects and disorders that can trigger structural changes like
atrophy and decrement in weight in different brain parts with long-term effects on the nervous system.
Materials and Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, fingerprints of 150 participants of Gulf Medical University with an equal number of students and faculty/ staff were
obtained by fingerprint scanner. Participants were classified into low, moderate, and high-stress levels by questionnaire. Collected data were
statistically analyzed to find any association between dermatoglyphics and perceived stress levels.
Results:
Radial Loop was found to have the highest frequency as a percentage in all three groups. Plain whorl was the pattern with the second-highest
percentage of occurrences. A notable observation was the lack of plain arch and low frequency of accidental whorl in the high-stress group.
Conclusion:
The findings contribute to our understanding of the potential of dermatoglyphics as an indicator of perceived stress, opening up avenues for further
research in utilizing these patterns as a non-invasive tool for assessing stress levels.