The conception of self of left-handed individuals

There have been very few studies that focus on the self-concept of left-handers. The approach to research in the areas of self-concept and handedness has traditionally been quantitative. This investigation focused on the conception of self of left handers through the use of qualitative methodology. In order to define the self-concept of left handers there was an emphasis on identifying the cognitive processes of agency, reflexivity, continuity, and individuality within the subjective self as well as descriptions of the objective self.

The findings from the interviews with left handers indicated that internal processes of self-regulation as well as external influences affected their conception of self with respect to their handedness orientation. The participants' left-handedness was a major defining characteristic of their objective self. Identified with the subjective self processes was a strong resistance, revealed by the participants, to external influences that disrupted the continuity of self. Of the numerous characteristics that left handers assigned to themselves, accommodating behavior was mentioned most frequently. Even though the participants revealed many inconveniences and misconceptions with respect to their handedness orientation, their conception of self remained very positive over their life-time. It was concluded that left-handedness is a source of uniqueness that provided the participants with individuality and a very positive conception of self. Implications and recommendations include a need for teachers to identify unique characteristics in children and to design opportunities for individual distinction that may provide sources of positive influence on the conception of self.