Left-handedness in homosexual men and women: neuroendocrine implications.
Although numerous researchers have hypothesized a biological factor in the etiology of homosexuality, there is a lack of empirical evidence. Previous investigations did not focus on behavioral functions of the brain. Using neuropsychological testing, we found an increased incidence of left-hand preference (defined as non-consistent right-hand preference) in a group of 32 homosexual women. A trend in the same direction was found in a group of 38 homosexual men. These results suggest that homosexual orientation has a neurobiological component possibly related to hemispheric functional asymmetry. The results are consistent with previous reports that (1) prenatal neuroendocrine events are a factor in the development of human sexual orientation and functional brain asymmetries, and (2) the mechanisms associated with homosexual orientation and related neuropsychological characteristics are different between the sexes, i.e. elevated levels of prenatal sex hormones in women and decreased levels in men.
McCormick
C M
CM
Department of Psychology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Witelson
S F
SF
Kingstone
E
E
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology
D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones