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Laterality, sexual orientation, and immune system functioning: is there a relationship?
1Department of Psychology, California State University, San Bernardino 92407.
The International Journal of Neuroscience
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Laterality, or handedness, and sexual orientation show a link, particularly increased left-sidedness in homosexual men. However, laterality does not predict immune system disorders in this group.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human Sexuality
- Immunology
Background:
- Recent research explores links between laterality (handedness), sexual orientation, and immune function.
- Inconsistent findings in previous studies highlight the need for further investigation.
- This study addresses inconsistencies and explores these relationships in a specific cohort.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between laterality, sexual orientation, and immune system functioning.
- To clarify inconsistencies in existing literature regarding these variables.
- To examine if laterality can predict immune disorder susceptibility in homosexual men.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data focusing on laterality, sexual orientation (homosexual, bisexual, heterosexual), and immune system status.
- Statistical examination of correlations between these factors.
- Specific focus on a sample of HIV-positive males.
Main Results:
- A positive association was found between left-sided laterality and homosexuality in the studied sample of HIV-positive males.
- No significant association was observed between immune system disorders and either laterality or sexual orientation.
- Laterality did not differentiate homosexual men based on susceptibility to immune disorders.
Conclusions:
- Increased left-sidedness appears more prevalent in homosexual men as a group.
- Laterality is not a reliable indicator for differentiating susceptibility to immune disorders among homosexual men.
- Further research is warranted to fully understand the complex interplay of these factors.