Functional Hemispheric Asymmetry and Impaired vs. Optimal Psychological Functioning: Evaluation of a Model

Abstract

The aim of this study was to propose and evaluate a model in which differential relationships are hypothesized between the nature and degree of functional hemispheric asymmetry (FHA), or neuropsychological differentiation on the one hand, and optimal or healthy personality functioning (OPF) vs. impaired personality functioning (IPF), on the other. FHA is operationalized by means of indices of the degree of left-hemisphere specialization for processing verbal information and the degree of right-hemisphere specialization for the recognition of emotional facial expressions. The degree of optimal personality functioning is operationalized with indices of self-actualization and autonomy, and the degree of impaired personality functioning with indices of the degree of anxiety and depression. The model was evaluated with the aid of the RAMONA program for path analysis with latent variables. The hypothesized model fits the data relatively well. A complex pattern of relationships emerged, in which specific qualities of FHA are associated with healthy vs. impaired personality functioning. From a systems perspective functional differentiation as well as functional integration seem to be important processes to consider when relationships between aspects of personality functioning and neuropsychological processes are investigated.