Review of modern foreign research on the problems of left-handedness

 
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Abstract

Context and relevance. Left-handedness as a characteristic of individual typological characteristics of a person. Statistical data on the prevalence of left-handedness. The causes of left-handedness are genetic, pathological, and acquired. Objective. To show the connection of left-handedness with psychomotor and emotional characteristics, with deterioration of mental health and quality of life. Hypothesis. Due to atypical laterality, left-handed children have a complex of significant features of the bioelectric activity of the brain, as a result of which the cognitive, volitional and emotional spheres of left-handed children are characterized by an unstable level of arbitrary regulation. Results. The revealed psychological and pedagogical features of left-handed children show that they differ from their right-handed peers in mental development due to the presence of certain features of intelligence and specific thinking strategies, methods of memorization and the specifics of emotional and affective expression. Conclusions. Understanding the possible connection between left-handedness and psychological difficulties is of great importance for parents, educators, and mental health professionals, as it allows them to timely notice developmental features, provide necessary support, and create favorable conditions for the adaptation and well-being of left-handed children.

General Information

Keywords: functional asymmetry of the brain, left-handedness, causes of left-handedness, developmental coordination disorder (DCD), dyslexia

Journal rubric: General Psychology

OpenAlex citations: 0

OpenAlex topics: Hemispheric Asymmetry in Neuroscience, Discourse Analysis and Cultural Communication, Electromagnetic Fields and Biological Effects

Information about the work in OpenAlex

Number of citations: 0

Topics

Hemispheric Asymmetry in Neuroscience

This cluster of papers explores the phenomenon of brain lateralization, focusing on handedness, cerebral asymmetry, language dominance, and their implications for neurodevelopmental disorders. It delves into the evolutionary aspects, genetic influences, and behavioral manifestations of brain lateralization in both humans and animals.

Number of works: 36788  |  Total number of citations: 724909

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Discourse Analysis and Cultural Communication

This cluster of papers focuses on discourse analysis, cultural communication patterns, and language use in the context of the pandemic. It explores topics such as media representation, persuasion strategies, linguistic aspects of pandemics, and the impact of social media on language and culture.

Number of works: 106302  |  Total number of citations: 88051

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Electromagnetic Fields and Biological Effects

This cluster of papers explores the biological effects of electromagnetic fields, with a focus on topics such as magnetoreception, mobile phone radiation, cancer risk, DNA damage, and health effects. It includes studies on the impact of electromagnetic fields on various biological systems, including the brain, DNA integrity, and cellular function. Additionally, guidelines for limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields are discussed.

Number of works: 56637  |  Total number of citations: 471145

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Work details in OpenAlex

Article type: review article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17759/jmfp.2026150108

Funding. The reported study was performed without financial support.

Received 06.10.2024

Revised 18.04.2025

Accepted

Published

For citation: Donskova, E.S. (2026). Review of modern foreign research on the problems of left-handedness. Journal of Modern Foreign Psychology, 15(1), 96–105. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17759/jmfp.2026150108

© Donskova E.S., 2026

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

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Information About the Authors

Ekaterina S. Donskova, senior lecturer of the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2990-4076, e-mail: sunnysideofthirty@yandex.ru

Conflict of interest

The author declares no conflict of interest.

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