Why are consistently-handed individuals more authoritarian? The role of need for cognitive closure

ABSTRACT

Recent studies indicate that individuals with consistent hand preference are more authoritarian than individuals whose preference is relatively inconsistent. We explored the role of epistemic needs in the handedness-authoritarianism relationship. Based on findings that consistent individuals are less cognitively flexible than inconsistent individuals, we hypothesized that consistent-handers would report greater need for definite knowledge. To measure this, we administered the revised Need for Cognitive Closure scale to a sample of undergraduates (N = 235), along with measures of handedness consistency and authoritarian submission. Consistent individuals scored significantly higher on authoritarian submission and need for closure. Need for closure fully mediated the relationship between consistency and submission. Consistent individuals also expressed greater prejudice against authoritarian out-groups such as immigrants and liberals. This effect was partially mediated by authoritarian submission. We theorize that consistent-handers’ cognitive inflexibility leads them to covet definite knowledge. These individuals turn to authoritarianism because it promises to stifle dissent and protect existing (conventional) knowledge.

KEYWORDS:

• Handedness consistency
• need for closure
• authoritarianism
• prejudice

Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, K. B. L., upon reasonable request.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 We reiterate our characterization of handedness consistency as at least partially innate, which leaves open the possibility that it may also be influenced by social or other environmental factors. Environmental influence has often been discussed in relation to the left/right direction of hand preference (Marcori & Okazaki, 2020) and its potential role in shaping the consistency of one’s hand use also merits consideration.