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Are left-handers really more anxious?
1Evolutionary and Biological Approaches to Behaviour Research Group, University of Abertay, Dundee, UK. l.wright@abertay.ac.uk
Left-handers exhibit higher state anxiety in experimental settings, suggesting a link between handedness and emotional reactivity. This finding supports theories on the right hemisphere
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human Behavior
Background:
- Previous research on anxiety and handedness has yielded inconsistent results.
- Methodological limitations in prior studies may explain discrepancies.
- Handedness-related reactivity differences suggest state anxiety requires contextual measurement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate state and trait anxiety levels in left-handed and right-handed individuals within an experimental context.
- To explore the relationship between handedness, trait anxiety, and state anxiety responses.
- To test predictions derived from the revised reinforcement sensitivity theory (rRST).
Main Methods:
- An experimental design was employed to measure state and trait anxiety.
- Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to control for trait anxiety's influence on state anxiety.
- Participants' handedness was assessed in relation to their anxiety scores.
Main Results:
- Left-handers demonstrated significantly higher state anxiety scores compared to right-handers.
- No significant differences were found in trait anxiety levels between handedness groups.
- A significant positive correlation was observed between trait and state anxiety.
- Even after controlling for trait anxiety, left-handers exhibited a larger state anxiety response.
Conclusions:
- In experimental settings, state anxiety is directly correlated with trait anxiety.
- Left-handers show heightened reactivity, influencing their state anxiety response in novel situations.
- Findings support the role of the right hemisphere in negative affect and the behavioral inhibition system.

