Is The Brain Always Right and Hand Always Left? Brain Laterality Vs Brain Equality

Introduction: Human body is constructed with an idea of “Equality”. The most prominent sign that our brains function asymmetrically is the near-universal preference for the right hand, and is powerful source of symbolism, with the dexterous right associated with positive values and the sinister left with negative ones. Science does not appreciate this human categorization tendency of naming people as right-brained and left-brained. This stigmatization of left-handed individuals forces them to switch the hand use, occasionally with grievous consequences. Hence, purpose of KAP study was to assess attitude and perception of parents towards right and left handedness to create awareness on possible methods to approach children with hand dominance.

Methodology: A structured questionnaire-based study was conducted at Dr. D.Y.Patil College of Physiotherapy, Pune on 200 parents of school going children. A 10-point Likert-type questionnaire was prepared, and questions were divided into 3 main domains as knowledge, attitude and perception. Expert validation and ethical clearance was obtained for the same, it was administered to parents via google form and responses were noted.

Results: Descriptive statistics using primer of biostatistics was applied. 3 domains were separately coded and analysed. 48% of parents believed that right/left brain is a myth,78% parents feel writing skills should be focused on using right hand and 24% of parents are aware about bilateral dominance.70% of parents felt using left is wrong.

Conclusion: It was widely believed that writing skills and educational training should be focused on using right hand and left brain. Parents and educators should be cautious when approaching educational programs, interventions, phone apps, or books that claim to stimulate one hemisphere in preference to the other. It is suggested that an exploratory approach towards hand preferences will influence the brain specific to motor functions irrespective of the dominance involved.