A Study of Dermatoglyphics Patterns in Relation to the Levels of Perceived Stress

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 characterizedby 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. 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. 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. 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.