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Handedness, anxiety and sex differences
British Journal of Psychology (London, England : 1953)
|February 1, 1982
Summary
This study found that while females generally report higher anxiety than males, handedness itself was not directly linked to anxiety levels. However, extreme handedness (both strongly right-handed and strongly left-handed) correlated with higher anxiety scores.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Handedness, the preferential use of one hand over the other, is a complex trait.
- Previous research has suggested a link between non-right-handedness and increased anxiety.
- Understanding the relationship between handedness and psychological factors like anxiety is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between handedness classification and anxiety scores in a student population.
- To examine gender differences in anxiety levels in relation to handedness.
Main Methods:
- Anxiety scores were assessed in 70 students (35 male, 35 female).
- Participants were classified based on handedness: right-handed, left-handed, and mixed-handed.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare anxiety scores across different handedness groups and genders.
Main Results:
- Female students exhibited higher anxiety scores compared to male students.
- Contrary to some previous studies, left-handed and mixed-handed individuals did not show significantly higher anxiety than right-handed individuals.
- A correlation was observed between extreme handedness (strongly right-handed or strongly left-handed) and elevated anxiety scores.
Conclusions:
- Gender is a significant factor, with females reporting higher anxiety.
- The simple classification of handedness (left vs. right vs. mixed) does not appear to be a direct predictor of anxiety.
- The degree of handedness extremeness, rather than the specific category, may be more closely associated with anxiety levels.