Cognitive and Affective Correlates of Handedness: Interactions with Gender Dysphoria and Rumination.

Abstract

Background: The adversities and inheritance patterns of left-handedness have been associated with gender-related distress. Such driving factors predispose individuals to multiple mental health outcomes, shifting attention to the role of ruminative thinking.

Purpose: The study seeks to examine the effects of handedness patterns on gender dysphoria and rumination among young adults, observing the intricate relationships among these variables and postulating a substantial influence of handedness on both gender-related distress and rumination in this population.

Methods: A cross-sectional design with purposive sampling was used to recruit 180 young adults aged 18-25 years. Study parameters were quantified using three self-report measures: the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory-Short Form, the Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale-Gender Spectrum, and the Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire. Data were analysed through moderation tests, correlation tests, and descriptive statistics.

Results: The results reveal that the links between rumination and gender dysphoria appear to be stronger in left-handed than in right-handed participants. Furthermore, variations in rumination and handedness patterns in the sample contributed to a significant interaction effect (19.1%) in gender dysphoria, moderated by rumination.

Conclusion: The study presents a comprehensive perspective for considering and structuring interventions for individuals with gender-related distress, covering major concepts of hormonal and genetic mechanisms, also underscoring the relevance of handedness and rumination in clinical and research settings.