Cognitive and Affective Correlates of Handedness: Interactions with Gender Dysphoria and Rumination

Background The adversities and inheritance patterns of left-handedness have been associated with gender-related distress. Such driving factors predispose individuals to multiple mental health outcomes, shifting attention to the role of ruminative thinking. Purpose The study seeks to examine the effects of handedness patterns on gender dysphoria and rumination among young adults, observing the intricate relationships among these variables and postulating a substantial influence of handedness on both gender-related distress and rumination in this population. Methods A cross-sectional design with purposive sampling was used to recruit 180 young adults aged 18–25 years. Study parameters were quantified using three self-report measures: the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory–Short Form, the Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale–Gender Spectrum, and the Rumination–Reflection Questionnaire. Data were analysed through moderation tests, correlation tests, and descriptive statistics. Results The results reveal that the links between rumination and gender dysphoria appear to be stronger in left-handed than in right-handed participants. Furthermore, variations in rumination and handedness patterns in the sample contributed to a significant interaction effect (19.1%) in gender dysphoria, moderated by rumination. Conclusion The study presents a comprehensive perspective for considering and structuring interventions for individuals with gender-related distress, covering major concepts of hormonal and genetic mechanisms, also underscoring the relevance of handedness and rumination in clinical and research settings.