Decoding Human Personality Through Dermatoglyphics

Background Dermatoglyphics refers to the study of epidermal ridges or patterns on fingers (fingerprints) and palms (palmprints). These epidermal ridges grow concurrently with a fetus's neural development during the intrauterine stage of life. Determining genetic anomalies using dermatoglyphics can help identify congenital deformities, various other medical conditions, and how the brain functions well ahead of time. A self-report questionnaire called the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is used to identify several psychological traits influencing how people perceive their surroundings and make decisions. Further investigation of this connection between Dermatoglyphics and Myers-Briggs Personality types can provide helpful insight into understanding a child's potential and perception of the world at a very tender age, student's potential towards a particular profession, and guiding their career choices. Understanding a child's personality type can give the parents an edge over understanding and catering to their emotional and social needs, hiring qualified employees, etc. Objective The study aims to clarify the connection between Myers-Briggs personality types by utilizing fingerprint patterns. Methodology An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 consenting students aged 25-30 years in a rural Medical School in the backdrop of central India. The study duration was two months, and the data collection was based on NERIS Type Explorer (based on the Myers-Briggs 16 personality type). The study involved the collection of fingerprints by using ink (type) and paper. At the same time, the data analysis was done statistically using the chi-square test. Result Statistically, a significant association was found between a few of the personality types and fingerprint patterns using the chi-square test (P=0.05, Significant) for INTJ with whorl, INTP with whorl (two cores), INFJ with ulnar loop, ENFJ with ulnar loop, ENFP with ulnar loop, ESTJ with ulnar loop, ISTP with ulnar loop, ISFP with ulnar loop and ESTP with composite. Additionally, more than 90% of the subjects were satisfied with the accuracy of the results of the Questionnaire (Survey questionnaire by NERIS Type Explorer). Conclusion The study found that participants with the left loop/right loop fingerprint type made up the majority and had more moderate personality qualities. Left loop's overall average was the highest of the 16 personality types, showing that people with this fingerprint type typically exhibited apparent personality features. The 16 personality components' total average for arch/whorl was second highest, specifically in the constructs of “socially harmonious method of operation,” “strong sense of responsibility,” “enthusiastic attitude,” and "concern for others' well-being.” The total average of the arch/whorl fingerprint type was higher than the S-type/right loop fingerprint type in these four constructs, demonstrating that participants with this fingerprint type showed good leadership abilities. INFJ personality type seems to be the most occurrent among the studied population, as the study was conducted with medical school students.