Noise sensitivity, handedness, and the occurrence of high perceived anxiety and depression in young adults. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Milenković, Sanja; Paunović, Katarina
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 83(2015)
• Page Start: 158
• Page End: 163
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: Anxiety -- Depression -- Handedness -- Noise sensitivity; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2015.04.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Highlights: Noise sensitivity depends on one's age. Noise sensitivity increases the odds of high perceived anxiety and depression. Handedness categories are not related to high perceived anxiety. Weakly right-handed and weakly left-handed persons are at risk of high depression. Abstract: Objective: The aim was to explore the association between handedness and noise sensitivity, with possible implications on the occurrence of high perceived anxiety and depression in young healthy adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study comprised 1113 persons, 400 men and 713 women, aged 21.44 ± 2.11 years. According to Edinburgh Handedness Inventory, participants were classified as: strongly left-handed, weakly left-handed, weakly right-handed, and strongly right-handed. Noise sensitivity was measured with Weinstein's scale. Perceived anxiety and depression were measured using Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, respectively. Results: Noise sensitivity depends on one's age. Noise sensitivity increased the odds of high perceived anxiety (Odds Ratio = 1.031; 95% Confidence Interval = 1.023–1.034) and depression (OR = 1.030; 95% CI = 1.022–1.038), independently from age, gender and handedness. Being weakly right-handed and weakly left-handed was associated with higher odds of depression in comparison to being strongly right-handed. Conclusions: Noise sensitive persons were at higher risk of high perceived anxiety and depression. Weakly right-handed and weakly left-handed persons were at higher risk of depression, independently from noise sensitivity.