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Approximately 10% of the global population is left-handed, and they have faced a lot of social bias for centuries.
Recently, new research featured in Psychological Bulletin presents further concerns for those who favor their left hand.
A comprehensive meta-analysis indicates that individuals with early-onset disorders like autism, schizophrenia, and dyslexia are significantly more likely to be left-handed or ambidextrous compared to the general population.
Earlier studies hinted at this correlation, but the underlying reasons remained elusive until now.
Dr. Julian Packheiser, a researcher at the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany, mentioned, “We suspected that left- and mixed-dominant hands could be related to language disorders.” This particular study emphasizes that this link is especially strong for disorders that emerge early in life and involve speech difficulties.
In contrast, developmental issues appearing later, such as depression, do not reflect this association.
Packheiser adds, “Just like your dominant hand, language has a strong lateralized representation in the brain, which could connect the development of these disorders.”
Throughout history, being left-handed was often viewed negatively. In fact, the term “sinister” comes from Latin, meaning left.
In medieval Europe, left-handed individuals were frequently linked to witchcraft and moral transgressions.
This bias persisted into the 20th century, where many children were pressured to become right-handed, sometimes through harsh methods.
In parts of the world like India and certain Asian countries, using the left hand for tasks like eating is still seen as disrespectful, reinforcing a feeling of “mistake.”
Modern neuroscience, however, adds a more nuanced view to this discussion.
While some studies indicate that left-handed people may be more prone to psychotic disorders, others suggest they might excel in creativity and spatial tasks.
Moreover, left-handedness offers advantages in various sports, including baseball, tennis, and boxing.
Notable left-handers include figures like Barack Obama, John McCain, Benjamin Franklin, Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo da Vinci, Justin Bieber, and even the infamous Boston Strangler.
