Stress correlates of hand preference in rhesus macaques

In this research we examined stress-related correlates of hand preference i n monkeys. Specifically we tested the hypothesis that stress reactivity and plasma levels of the stress hormone cortisol are developmentally related t o handedness in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). We found a significant po sitive correlation between cortisol levels sampled in juveniles and the fre quency of right- versus left-hand use sampled in these same animals during adulthood. Right-hand preference tvas negatively correlated with stress rea ctivity. These data are consistent with the vier-v that stress functioning and reactivity are associated with the development of hemispheric specializ ation in primates (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.