Foundations of a functional theory of human handedness

A functional theory of human handedness is introduced based on early childh ood experiences and the neural plasticity of the brain. It assumes that ver y different factors may be involved in the development of an individual lef t-handedness. Imitation and social learning are major factors in the format ion of both right- and left-handedness in normal early childhood developmen t. However, the frequently claimed relation between left-handedness and pat hology as well as exceptional giftedness can only be understood by taking i nto account the function or meaning of left-handedness for personality deve lopment. The functional approach conceives left-handedness as a ubiquitous symbolic aid for coping creatively with conflict in early childhood. A chil drearing style that clashes with the child's body-mind needs can lead the s ocioculturally less favored left hand to serve as a symbolic frame of refer ence for a meaning-making action repertoire that is fundamental in protecti ng and stabilizing the childhood self and personality development. Suggesti ons are derived regarding brain lateralization and handedness and for the d iagnosis of early childhood disorders.