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Birth stress, handedness and cognitive performance
M Levander1, D Schalling, S E Levander
1Department of Psychology, University of Stockholm.
Summary
This study found no higher birth stress in left-handers, unlike previous research. Birth stress negatively impacted cognitive performance in both sexes, with sex-specific effects observed.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Human Genetics
Background:
- Previous research suggested a link between left-handedness and higher reported birth stress.
- Discrepancies in findings may stem from variations in subject recruitment and sample definition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between birth stress and handedness.
- To examine the effects of birth stress on cognitive abilities, eye dominance, and learning difficulties in left-handed and right-handed individuals.
- To explore sex differences in these relationships.
Main Methods:
- Interviews with mothers of left-handed and right-handed students regarding pregnancy and delivery conditions.
- Comparison of left-handed and right-handed subjects (stratified by sex) with and without reported birth stress.
- Assessment of verbal and nonverbal abilities, eye dominance, early learning difficulties, and familial sinistrality.
Main Results:
- The study did not replicate previous findings of higher birth stress frequency in left-handers.
- Left eye dominance was more prevalent in male left-handers experiencing birth stress.
- Birth stress independently exerted negative effects on cognitive performance, with differential impacts observed between males and females.
Conclusions:
- The association between left-handedness and birth stress may be influenced by sample characteristics and recruitment methods.
- Birth stress is a significant factor impacting cognitive performance, with sex-dependent variations.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between handedness, birth stress, and cognitive outcomes.