Hopkins, W. D., Russell, J. L., Freeman, H, Reynolds, E. A. M., Griffis, C and Leavens, David (2006) Lateralized scratching in chimpanzees: evidence of a functional asymmetry during arousal. Emotion, 6 (4). pp. 553-559. ISSN 1528-3542

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Abstract

This study evaluated laterality in scratching by chimpanzees (n 89) during socially arousing circumstances. Hand use and the side of the body scratched was recorded during a baseline and experimental condition. In the experimental condition, chimpanzees were shown a video of other conspecifics sharing, fighting over, and consuming a watermelon. Self-touches were categorized as either rubs or scratches. The chimpanzees showed a significant right hand bias for rubbing and also significantly directed the rubs to the right side of the body. For scratching, the chimpanzees showed no hand preference but a significant bias for scratching on the left side of the body. These results support the view that the right hemisphere regulates the autonomic nervous system during arousal.

Item Type:	Article
Schools and Departments:	School of Psychology > Psychology
Depositing User:	David Leavens
Date Deposited:	06 Feb 2012 15:39
Last Modified:	14 Jun 2012 13:05
URI:	http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/13795

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