Cognitive activity of the right hemisphere: possible contributions to psychological function

Abstract

This paper reviews evidence from split-brain and other, more recent studies that have enriched and advanced our understanding of the cognitive and emotional abilities and characteristics of the right hemisphere. The more recent work includes research on intact subjects (employing Wada tests, unilateral videos, and functional imaging) and neurophysiological studies on dissociated states such as multiple personality disorder and hypnosis. The literature continues to support the view that in intact persons, the right hemisphere has significant mental faculties that can operate with some independence from those of the left hemisphere. The paper also reviews relevant psychodynamic literature and discusses the theoretical and therapeutic implications of the existence of these partially autonomous right hemispheric mental faculties.