Myths plague people with lefty personality traits, or left-hand dominant people. For instance, it was once believed that lefties or Southpaws were more likely to be dyslexic, schizophrenic, and stutterers. Some doctors believed that left-handed people are more likely to struggle with breast cancer, allergies, and asthma.
Those myths about left-handed people were debunked by Dr Michael Peters of the University of Guelph in 2006. However, some personality traits of left-handed people seem to hold true.
First, Some Statistics About Left-Hand Dominant People
About 10% of the world’s population is left-handed. There is a genetic component that determines right versus left-hand dominance, and it’s called the LRRTM1 gene. People with this gene are more likely to be lefties.
The speech centers of right-handers and most left-handers are in the left brain. The left brain focuses on syntax and order, while the right brain monitors context and emotions.
Some of us are “mixed-handed” people, which means both hands are used equally.
Lefty Psychology and Personality Traits
- Leadership. About 66% of American presidents in the last 30 years were left-handed men. Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, and Gerald Fold were all left-handed presidents. Barack Obama and John McCain are both left-handed.
- Quick thinkers. Studies have shown that lefties are “exceptional.” Australian research shows that left-handed people think more quickly when playing computer games or sports. Left-handed people also tend to earn more money.
- Sexuality. Research from Canada reveals this interesting quality of left-handed people: they’re more likely to be homosexual.
Mixed-handed people are more likely to alter their beliefs as they get new information, making them better able to see both sides of the story.
Personality Traits of Lefties
- Independence: Some experts believe left-handed people are more independent because they’ve had to get along in a world that’s not made for them. Dr Peters says that lefties are “slightly more resistant to social pressures, to have more of an independent streak.”
- Adaptability: Canadian research shows that left-handed people are more adaptable than right-handed people. That is, a lefty can use her right hand to do tasks much easier than a righty can use his hand. Left-handed people seem to be able to switch over more easily.
Generally, Southpaws are thought to be more flexible, highly intelligent, and more resilient than right-handed people.
If you found Lefty Personality Traits interesting, you might like:
- What Your Favorite Dog Breed Reveals About Your Personality
- The Big Five Personality Types
- Psychology Tips for Work and Life - How to Use Personality Traits
Partial Source: The Toronto Star, "Left Stuff", Sunday March 2, 2008.
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen - Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time writer and blogger in Vancouver, BC, and the creator of the Quips and Tips blog series.
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