Sex/gender differences in hemispheric asymmetries

Hodgetts, Sophie; Hausmann, Markus

Abstract

This chapter will critically review evidence across 40 years of research, covering both early and contemporary studies that have investigated sex/gender differences in hemispheric asymmetries, including both structural and functional asymmetries. We argue that small sex/gender differences in hemispheric asymmetry reliably exist, but there is significant overlap between the sexes and considerable within sex variation. Furthermore, we argue that research to date is limited in its consideration of sex/gender-related factors, such as sex hormones and
gender roles. Moreover, we highlight a critical limitation stemming from lack of universal agreement on the definitions of “sex” and “gender”, resulting in majority of studies interested in sex/gender differences in hemispheric asymmetry involving the separation of participants into dichotomous male/female groups based solely on self-identified sex. Future research involving sex/gender should adopt a biopsychosocial approach whenever possible, to ensure that non-binary psychological, biological, and environmental/social factors related to sex/gender, and their interactions, are routinely accounted for. Finally, we argue that while the human brain is not sexually dimorphic, sex/gender differences in the brain are not trivial and likely have several clinically relevant implications, including for the development of stratified treatment approaches for both neurological and psychiatric patient populations.

Citation

Hodgetts, S., & Hausmann, M. (2025). Sex/gender differences in hemispheric asymmetries. In Cerebral Asymmetries (255-265). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-443-15646-5.00014-2

• Publication Date: 2025
• Deposit Date: Mar 11, 2025
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 208
• Pages: 255-265
• Series Title: Handbook of Clinical Neurology
• Book Title: Cerebral Asymmetries
• ISBN: 9780443156465
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-443-15646-5.00014-2
• Keywords: Biopsychosocial approach; Sex hormones; Functional cerebral asymmetries; Psychotic disorders; Sex differences
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3706879