BODY OPENING SYMPTOMS AND RIGHT-LEFT SETS

Previous work demonstrated a relationship between the frequency with which an individual experiences stomach symptoms and the asymmetry he displays in perceiving and responding to the spatial dimension of up-down. This suggested that spatial asymmetries may mirror attitudes that have physiological and symptom consequences. The generality of this formulation was tested by examining the correlation between, right-left perceptual asymmetries and various symptoms. It was demonstrated in both males and females, although more strongly in the former, that symptoms involving the body openings are significantly correlated with a left perceptual bias. A theory concerning the meaning of this relationship was offered and found to be supported in a male and also a female sample. © by The Williams & Wilkins Co.