Lateralisation of self-esteem: an investigation using a dichotically presented auditory adaptation of the Implicit Association Test.
BACKGROUND
Self-esteem is one of the most prominent and influential constructs in psychological science, yet very few neuropsychological/neuroscientific investigations have been undertaken in this area of research. The current study investigated the possibility of hemispheric lateralisation of self-esteem.


METHODS
By creating an auditory version of the Implicit Association Test (IAT) for self-esteem, we were able to present stimuli dichotically and thereby compare left- versus right-hemispheric measurements of self-esteem in 46 healthy adults.


RESULTS
Although left- and right-hemispheric self-esteem measurements were correlated, within-participant analysis revealed that self-esteem levels (as reflected by IAT score) were significantly greater when elicited under right-ear presentation (reflecting left-hemispheric processing).


CONCLUSIONS
We interpret this asymmetry with reference to the approach-withdrawal model of emotion processing and suggest avenues for future research.
McKay
Ryan
R
Institute for Empirical Research in Economics, University of Zurich, Bluemlisalpstrasse 10, Zurich, Switzerland. ryantmckay@mac.com
Arciuli
Joanne
J
Atkinson
Alikki
A
Bennett
Elaine
E
Pheils
Elisabeth
E
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001307:Auditory Perception; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D004423:Ear; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008606:Mental Processes / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012649:Self Concept; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult