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The Complexity of Left Handed People

by

M.E.Hill

Left-handed people are an important group within highly sensitive people. Lefties have always been with us. Historically it was perceived as an anomaly and a defect so children were “trained” out of left-handedness. Because of concern about left-handedness, there has been much research done on left-handed people over the years.

The research on the use of the left hand has been helpful because it has been correlated with many other conditions and diseases. In investigating the relationship between left-handedness and other conditions, the research community has unwittingly been providing us with clues to the sensitive trait. It is only in the last half century that the combination of genetic research and increased sophistication in pattern recognition that we are starting to understand the complexities of anomalous human development. When Elaine Aron, Ph.D. wrote The Highly Sensitive Person in the 1990’s we finally had a name to go with the condition that left-handedness was pointing us to. Since then all of the different characteristics of sensitivity including physical characteristics are being correlated and understood for the first time in a larger context. Many genetic diseases and other capabilities are now have a context for the first time. One of the best resources on the highly sensitive people and the relationship between people who use their left hand and genetic diseases is the H.I.S.S. of the A.S.P., written by David Ritchey. He discusses the relationship between prenatal testosterone in the mother due to stress, and the creation of the highly sensitive person. He cites the Geschwind Theory along with other research including his own showing the prevalence of left-handedness and genetic disorders among highly sensitive people or anomalous sensitive people – his name for highly sensitive people. Dr. Norman Geschwind’s research, often called the Geschwind Theory, shows the relationship between maternal testosterone, left-handedness, and genetic diseases. The New York Times profiled the study in their article: Left vs. Right Brain Function Tied to Hormone in the Womb. Left-handedness is just one of many possible ways in which a fetus may demonstrate the HSP trait, which is caused when the mother suffers high stress during pregnancy. Anything Lefthanded, a UK website about all aspects of left-handedness, cites a 2004 study that shows that 10 week old fetuses already showed hand preferences, and those indicated preferences became the hand of choice more often than not. There are many misperceptions about lefties. Although there seems to be a perception that a person who writes with the left hand may be more intelligent or gifted than others, we have also had a history of treating left-handedness as a disability – a problem to overcome. When considered as a characteristic of the highly sensitive trait, it is possible to get some perspective on left-handedness. A highly sensitive person is a complex individual with many unusual talents and potentials but also possibly some genetically based illnesses. Using the left over the right hand is only a small sign of a larger, and richer human potential.

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The Complexity of Left Handed People