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In praise of ambidexterity: how a continuum of handedness predicts social adjustment

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  • Kevin Denny

    (School of Economics & Geary Institute, University College Dublin)

  • Wen Zhang

    (Department of Psychology, University of Cardiff)

Abstract

This paper estimates the relationship between handedness and social adjustment. In addition to binary measures of hand preference, we also use a continuous measure of hand skill. Outcomes at ages 7, 11 and 16 are studied. Using a semi-parametric estimator it is shown that non-right-handedness (as hand-preference) is associated with poorer social adjustment but this effect disappears as the individuals age. The continuous measure of hand skill has a non-monotonic effect on social adjustment with poorer social adjustment at the extreme values of the continuum. Poorer social adjustment in childhood has been shown to predict poorer socio-economic outcomes later in life.

Suggested Citation

  • Kevin Denny & Wen Zhang, 2010. "In praise of ambidexterity: how a continuum of handedness predicts social adjustment," Working Papers 201019, Geary Institute, University College Dublin.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucd:wpaper:201019
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Paul Frijters & David W. Johnston & Manisha Shah & Michael A. Shields, 2009. "To Work or Not to Work? Child Development and Maternal Labor Supply," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 1(3), pages 97-110, July.
    2. repec:ucn:wpaper:10197/1132 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Mary Silles, 2010. "Personality, education and earnings," Education Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(2), pages 131-151.
    4. Johnston, David W. & Shah, Manisha & Shields, Michael A., 2007. "Handedness, Time Use and Early Childhood Development," IZA Discussion Papers 2752, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    5. Kevin Denny & Vincent O’ Sullivan, 2007. "The Economic Consequences of Being Left-Handed: Some Sinister Results," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 42(2).
    6. Kaye K. W. Lee, 2006. "Personality and Earnings," Economics Working Paper Archive wp_443, Levy Economics Institute.
    7. Kevin Denny & Orla Doyle, 2010. "Returns to basic skills in central and eastern Europe," The Economics of Transition, The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, vol. 18(1), pages 183-208, January.
    8. Kevin Denny, 2008. "Cognitive ability and continuous measures of relative hand-skill. a note," Working Papers 200805, Geary Institute, University College Dublin.
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