Left-handed and right-handed people have always aroused curiosity and have been a subject of study in psychology and neuroscience. The preference for one hand over the other has implications beyond manual dexterity, as it is also related to significant psychological and brain differences. In this article, we will explore the different characteristics that are typically associated with being left- or right-handed, as well as research that has revealed differences in brain functioning between both groups.
Origin of laterality
Laterality, that is, the preference for one hand or another, has its origin in the brain. Dominance of one hand is controlled by the opposite brain hemisphere: in most right-handed people, the dominant hand is controlled by the left brain hemisphere, which also controls language in most individuals. On the other hand, in left-handed people, lateralization may be more variable, and may be controlled by the right or left hemisphere.
This asymmetry in manual dominance has led scientists to investigate possible differences in the brain functioning between left-handed and right-handed people, which has led to interesting discoveries about the neurological bases of laterality.
Psychological differences between left-handed and right-handed people
In addition to the differences in functioning brain, it has been observed that left- and right-handed people also present variations in certain psychological aspects. Although these differences are not absolute or decisive, some studies have suggested that left-handed people tend to be more creative and have more divergent thinking than right-handed people.
Creativity and laterality
One One of the most notable aspects of the psychology of left-handers is their supposed greater creativity. Several studies have found an association between left-handedness and creativity in various areas, such as music, visual arts, and problem solving. It has been hypothesized that left-handedness could be related to greater connectivity between the cerebral hemispheres, which would favor the integration of different types of information and cognitive processes, fundamental for creativity.
On the other hand, On the other hand, some studies have also suggested that left-handers have a greater propensity to experience intense emotions and have more abstract thinking, which could influence the way they process information and approach problems from unconventional perspectives.
Disadvantages of being left-handed in a right-handed society
Despite the potential advantages associated with left-handedness, there are also challenges that left-handed people face in a largely right-handed society. From adapting to objects designed for right-handed users to facing ingrained social stigmas, left-handers often must navigate obstacles that right-handers do not experience.
This can lead to certain consequences on self-esteem and self-perception, especially in early stages of development, where a lack of understanding or adequate support can lead to feelings of inadequacy or inability.
Brain differences between left-handers and right-handers
Differences in brain functioning between Left-handed and right-handed people have been the subject of numerous studies in neuroscience. Through techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and the detection of brain activity patterns, researchers have been able to identify structural and functional variations in the brain that appear to be associated with handedness.
Asymmetry brain and laterality
One of the most notable characteristics related to laterality is cerebral asymmetry. In most right-handed people, the left hemisphere tends to be dominant for language, while the right hemisphere tends to be specialized for visual and spatial functions. In left-handers, this asymmetry may be less marked or even reversed in some cases.
Neuroimaging studies have shown that left-handers tend to have greater interhemispheric connectivity compared to right-handers, which may contribute to a more efficient integration of information between the two cerebral hemispheres. This greater connectivity could explain, at least in part, the association between left-handedness and creativity mentioned above.
Functioning of the cerebral cortex
Another significant difference between left-handed and right-handed people is found in the organization and functioning of the cerebral cortex. Some studies have suggested that, in left-handers, certain areas of the cortex that are involved in motor planning and motor control may be more equally distributed between both hemispheres, compared to right-handers where these areas tend to be more lateralized. towards the dominant hemisphere.
This more balanced distribution of motor functions in left-handers could confer certain advantages on tasks that require fine motor coordination and visuospatial skills. However, it may also imply greater challenges in the acquisition of skills that involve sequential movements or established motor routines, where lateralization of the cerebral cortex may facilitate the learning and execution of these tasks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the psychological and cerebral differences between left-handed and right-handed people reveal the complexity and plasticity of the human brain. While handedness may be just one of many manifestations of this diversity, its study sheds light on the variety of ways our brains can organize and adapt to meet the demands of the environment.
Understand These differences not only help us appreciate individual diversity, but can also have practical implications in areas such as education, neurological rehabilitation, and product design to meet the needs of a laterally diverse population. Ultimately, left- or right-handedness is just one facet of the complexity of the human mind, which continues to be an object of fascination and study in contemporary psychology and neuroscience.