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Lateralized scratching in chimpanzees: evidence of a functional asymmetry during arousal

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 18:17 authored by W. D. Hopkins, J. L. Russell, H Freeman, E. A. M. Reynolds, C Griffis, David LeavensDavid Leavens
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.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Emotion

ISSN

1528-3542

Issue

4

Volume

6

Page range

553-559

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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