Primal Health Databank: Study
| Entry No: | 0181 |
| Title: | Prenatal stress and handedness among offspring |
| Author(s): | Ellis L, Peckham W |
| Reference: | Pre- and Perinatal Psychology J 1991; 6 (2): 135-144 |
| Place of Study: | USA |
| Abstract: | Stressful experiences recorded by 270 mothers beginning a year prior to pregnancy through to the end of pregnancy were compared for right and left and mixed handed offspring of both sexes. For the male offspring, mothers of left handers record significantly more severe stress throughout pregnancy than mothers of either right or mixed handers. For the female offspring, no significant differences were found. Results were interpreted as consistent with the view that stress hormones released by the mother during pregnancy can significantly affect the organisation of the neocortex. |
| Keyword(s): | emotional state in pregnancy, handedness, lateralisation, prenatal stress |
| Discussion: | Several lines of evidence indicate that prenatal exposure to sex hormones (especially testosterone) are involved in organising the hemispheres of the neocortex. See entry 0182 and 0183. |
| See Also: | 0183 |
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