Head-turning asymmetries during kissing and their association with lateral preference

Laterality. 2009 Jan;14(1):79-85. doi: 10.1080/13576500802243689. Epub 2008 Jul 25.

Abstract

A head-turning bias to the right side is one of the earliest functional asymmetries in human development and is already present during the final weeks of gestation. To test whether head-turning preference is related to other lateral preferences in adults, kissing behaviour of participants towards a symmetrical doll was observed to assess their spontaneous head-turning preference. Additionally, participants' individual handedness, footedness, and eye preference were determined using questionnaires. A significant difference in handedness and footedness, but not eye preference, was found between left- and right-kissers, with right-kissers showing a stronger right-sided bias than left-kissers. These results support the assumption that the head-turning bias in humans may be able to induce or enhance other asymmetries of perception and action.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Affect*
  • Choice Behavior*
  • Courtship*
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality*
  • Head Movements
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Anatomic
  • Orientation*
  • Sexual Behavior*
  • Young Adult