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Handedness and psychopathy
1Finch University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, USA.
Neuropsychiatry, Neuropsychology, and Behavioral Neurology
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Psychopathy is linked to reduced right-hand dominance and increased mixed-handedness, suggesting atypical brain organization in offenders. This contrasts with typical left-hemisphere dominance in the general population.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Criminology
Background:
- Psychopathy may involve atypical cerebral organization, potentially leading to left-hemisphere dysfunction or reduced asymmetry.
- Previous studies on motor dominance in psychopathy have yielded inconsistent findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if psychopathic individuals display distinct motor dominance patterns compared to the general population's left-hemisphere dominance.
- To explore the relationship between psychopathy and handedness variations.
Main Methods:
- Assessed handedness in 420 adult male inmates using the Chapman and Chapman handedness scale.
- Collected data as part of ongoing research participation.
Main Results:
- Individuals with psychopathy reported significantly reduced right-hand dominance.
- This finding was independent of age, intelligence, or racial factors.
Conclusions:
- Psychopathy is associated with a higher prevalence of mixed-handedness compared to nonpsychopathic individuals.
- This supports theories of anomalous cerebral asymmetry in psychopathic offenders.