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Hand clasping
Hand clasping
from Wikipedia
R-phenotype hand clasping
L-phenotype hand clasping
R-phenotype hand clasping (left), with the right hand on top, and L-phenotype hand clasping, with the left hand on top.

Hand clasping or hand folding is the interlocking of the fingers of one hand with the fingers of another. It is commonly used to express authority above or respect for others. It is also common to clasp the hands during prayer.

Phenotypical definition

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When clasping the hands, a person tends to interlace the fingers in one of two ways. People who hold the fingers of the right hand above the left fingers are classified as phenotype R (right), while those who hold the fingers of the left hand above those of the right are phenotype L (left).

Although some people do not prefer one type of hand clasping, most do. Once adopted, hand clasping tends to be consistent throughout life. When an individual attempts to clasp the hands in the opposite configuration from the usual one, that person may feel a sense that something is out of the ordinary.

Lai and Walsh (1965) suspect that genetic factors are important in determining these characteristics. They looked at a sample of 18 families.[1]

Based on the comparison of a series of monozygotic and dizygotic twins, Freire-Maia (1961) concluded that the preference in the type of hand clasping was affected by certain genetic factors, and (perhaps) to a significant extent.[2]

Falk and Ayala (1971) found a significant correlation between parent-offspring and for this feature suggested model polygenic inheritance.[3]

Martin (1975) presented the results of studies of twins and found that genetic factors are still determining the phenotypic expression of this trait.[4]

Reiss (1999) found that 55% of the population belongs to the phenotype L, and 44% have a "right type" clasping; the remaining 1% did not care.[5][6]

In support of the hypothesis about the significant influence of genetic factors on the phenotypic expression of the extreme dimorphism clearly demarcated by the data on a very wide range of variation in the frequency of phenotypes tested parts of the world's population.[clarification needed]

R phenotype distribution

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Population N R (%) References
Belgium 644 48.1 Leguebe (1967)[7]
Bosnia and Herzegovina 10,073 55.1 Hadžiselimović et al. (1979)[8]
Bulgaria ? 70.1 Boev, Todorov (1970)[9]
Greece ? 81.2 Pelecanos (1969)[10]
Poland 771 48.0 Wolanski et al. (1973)[11]
Scotland 598 60.0 Lutz (1908)[12]
Serbia: Užice 2,217 54.0 Hadžiselimović et al.(1979)[13]
Serbia: Voivodina 2,686 51.9 Gavrilović, Božić (1972)[14]
Spain 486 52.1 Pons (1961)[15]
Sweden 981 52.1 Beckman, Elston (1962)[16]

Psychological understanding

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Hand wringing

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Hand wringing is a gesture characterized by repeatedly rubbing or twisting one's hands together, often as a sign of distress or nervousness, while folding or clasping. Hand wringing has been studied in psychology to understand its underlying motivations and implications for mental well-being, of which include nonverbal communication and self-soothing behavior. It is often attributed to physical, cognitive, and mental conditions.

The act of hand wringing, along other motor actions, has been observed common in people with Rett syndrome, a genetic brain disorder, for decades.[17][18][19] In a study investigating stereotypical hand movements in individuals with the syndrome, hand wringing was identified as one of the most prevalent stereotypies, observed in approximately 60% of subjects.[20] It found that hand wringing tended to be more prevalent in women aged 19 years or older. Additionally, associations were noted between specific mutations and hand-wringing behavior, with certain mutations being more commonly associated with this stereotypical movement. However, there were no clear relationships between hand-wringing and the severity of mutations.

Hand wringing is also common in people with autism[21][22] and obsessive-compulsive disorder.[23][24]

Some studies suggest that when attempting to mitigate certain behaviors through interventions like response blocking, unintended consequences may arise.[25] For instance, in the treatment of stereotypic behavior such as head and tooth tapping, blocking these behaviors may inadvertently lead to an increase in other stereotypic responses, such as hand wringing. This collateral effect, observed in individuals diagnosed with autism, indicates that the reduction in the targeted behavior may result in the emergence or exacerbation of alternative behaviors.

In religion

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Hand clasping holds significance in several religious and spiritual practices around the world, often symbolizing different aspects of faith. While not explicitly addressed in religious texts or practices, individuals may engage in the behavior during moments of spiritual reflection such as prayer or meditation.

Christianity

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In Christianity, hand clasping can be seen during prayer or as a gesture of fellowship and unity among believers. It often symbolizes solidarity in faith and mutual support within the community. In some Christian ceremonies, such as weddings or baptisms, hand clasping may signify the joining of two individuals or families in a sacred bond.

Buddhism

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Buddhism employs hand gestures, or mudras, as part of spiritual practice. Some of which include clasped hands, such as ushas mudra, symbolizing reverence, gratitude, and mindfulness. Hand clasping may also be used in meditation as a means of focusing on one's intention and connecting with inner peace.

Mandaeism

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In Mandaeism, the Mandaic term kushta (which also means 'truth') refers to a sacred handclasp between two people that is used during Mandaean rituals such as the masbuta, masiqta, and priestly initiation ceremonies.[26][27]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Hand clasping is a common behavioral trait characterized by the natural interlocking of the fingers of both hands, in which the thumb of one hand overlays of the other, producing either a left-over-right () configuration—with the left thumb on top—or a right-over-left () configuration. Approximately 55% of individuals exhibit a for the type, 44% for the type, and the remaining 1% report no consistent . Studies of family pedigrees and twins indicate that hand clasping preference shows evidence of genetic influence, though the trait does not follow straightforward Mendelian patterns and is likely polygenic or modulated by environmental factors. Offspring from L × L matings tend to favor L (about 59%), while R × R matings produce roughly 32% L offspring, further supporting a complex model rather than single-gene dominance. The frequency of the L type varies slightly across global populations (ranging from 40% to 75%) and shows a modest difference, with R being more common in females; it is frequently studied alongside other lateralization traits like and to explore patterns of bilateral in humans.

Biological Aspects

Phenotypic Variation

Hand clasping, also known as hand folding, refers to the natural interlocking of the fingers of both hands, where one typically overlaps the other in a dominant position. The two primary phenotypes are classified based on preference: the "L" type, in which the left crosses over the right , and the "R" type, in which the right crosses over the left . These preferences emerge spontaneously when individuals are instructed to clasp their hands without specific guidance on finger or thumb positioning, reflecting an innate motor tendency rather than learned . The clasping motion involves interlacing the fingers such that the fingers of one hand pass between those of the other, with the thumbs pressing together side-by-side and one overlaying the other to secure the grip. This configuration is most reliably observed in relaxed, non-task-oriented settings, such as during casual rest or when no external pressures dictate hand use, allowing the dominant thumb position to manifest consistently. In such instances, the forms a stable, symmetrical fold that highlights the phenotypic variation without interference from deliberate adjustments. Historical observations of hand clasping as a heritable physical trait trace back to early 20th-century anthropometric studies, with the first systematic investigation conducted by Frank E. Lutz in 1908, who examined family patterns in Scottish populations to explore its inheritance. Subsequent research in the mid-20th century, including twin studies by Freire-Maia in 1961, further documented the trait's consistency across generations, establishing it as a stable phenotypic marker in . Measurement of hand clasping preference employs simple observational tests, where subjects are asked to clasp their hands repeatedly—typically three to five times—under neutral conditions to verify the persistence of the same thumb-over-thumb configuration. This method ensures reliability by minimizing variability from temporary influences, with consistency observed in over 99% of individuals across studies. Such assessments have been integral to classifying the L and R phenotypes in anthropometric surveys. Hand clasping does not follow simple but is likely polygenic or influenced by environmental factors.

Genetic Inheritance

Hand clasping is classified as a non-Mendelian trait characterized by incomplete , with inheritance patterns suggesting influence from multiple genes rather than a single locus, alongside potential contributions from early environmental factors such as prenatal positioning. Twin studies, including analyses from the mid-20th century, show similar concordance rates among monozygotic and dizygotic pairs, with discordance rates of approximately 40-45% for the preferred clasping type (L or R) in monozygotic twins, indicating limited genetic influence and substantial role for environmental factors. Pedigree analyses by mid-20th century geneticists, such as those reviewed in familial studies, reveal no clear association with or major genetic loci, further supporting a complex polygenic model without fitting straightforward dominant or recessive patterns. The trait appears evolutionarily neutral, as no adaptive advantages or selective pressures have been identified in human populations across diverse genetic backgrounds.

Population Distribution

Hand clasping phenotypes exhibit a near-equal global distribution, with surveys across diverse populations typically showing frequencies close to 50% for the R phenotype (right thumb uppermost) and 50% for the L phenotype (left thumb uppermost). In European-descended groups, data from large-scale familial studies indicate approximately 44% R and 55% L, with about 1% showing no preference. Anthropological investigations in the mid-20th century, including those by Lai and Walsh (1965), documented variations in these phenotypes among ethnic groups, revealing significant differences such as 48.6% R among and 65.0% R among Australian Aboriginal males. Regional and ethnic differences further highlight this variability; for instance, a study of a Nigerian population found around 59% overall, with females showing a slightly higher rate (61.9%) than males (56.8%). Migration and population admixture contribute to blended distributions, as evidenced in mixed-ancestry groups where frequencies fall intermediate between those of parental populations, such as among individuals of Caucasian-Negro descent exhibiting rates between the typical 44% in Caucasians and higher proportions in African groups.

Behavioral and Psychological Aspects

Preference Formation

Hand clasping preference emerges during as a habitual pattern, often aligning with the broader development of lateral preferences, where neural lateralization processes beginning in infancy contribute to the stabilization of such traits. This development typically occurs alongside motor behaviors observed in longitudinal studies from the . For instance, studies by Lai and Walsh (1965) emphasized that hand clasping patterns are acquired via formation at an early age rather than strict genetic , with family data showing no strong parent-offspring concordance to support simple inheritance models. A weak exists between hand clasping preference and , based on cross-sectional surveys of diverse populations. This association is marginal and not universal, as multiple analyses, including familial studies, indicate that hand clasping operates independently from dominant hand use in most cases, potentially influenced by in bilateral physical traits rather than direct to . For example, Ferronato et al. (1974) reported only a borderline statistical relationship in family cohorts, underscoring the limited predictive power of for clasping style. The is reinforced through habitual repetition in everyday actions, such as resting or gesturing, which entrain neural pathways and motor to favor one configuration over the other from childhood onward. While generally stable, rare instances of switching have been noted in adulthood, often linked to physical changes like hand prompting compensatory adjustments or deliberate to alter motor patterns. Experimental assessments confirm high consistency, with 99% of adults exhibiting unwavering across repeated trials, as only 1% report indifference or variability in clasping style under controlled conditions. Reiss (1999) documented this stability in large samples, attributing it to a combination of early and subtle genetic factors compatible with models of developmental .

Associated Gestures

Hand wringing refers to the repetitive twisting or rubbing of clasped hands, typically performed bilaterally, functioning as a self-soothing in response to stress or anxiety. This gesture often emerges unconsciously during heightened emotional tension, helping to regulate physiological by providing tactile . Unlike the static interlocking of fingers characteristic of the innate hand clasping preference, hand wringing entails dynamic rotational movements of the wrists and fingers, creating a friction-based motion that distinguishes it kinematically as an active, adaptive response rather than a fixed posture. The gesture is prevalent in contexts of , such as , where observational studies have noted it among individuals exhibiting moderate to high stress levels, with self-touch behaviors like wringing appearing as part of fidgetiness or agitation. From an evolutionary viewpoint, hand wringing may trace origins to grooming behaviors, where mutual or self-directed manual manipulations served social bonding and comfort functions, as documented in ethological observations of chimpanzees by Irenäus Eibl-Eibesfeldt during the .

Interpretations in Psychology

In psychology, hand clasping is often interpreted as a self-soothing that aids , particularly during stressful situations. This behavior provides a sense of through physical self-contact, similar to other forms of self-touch that activate calming neural pathways. Studies on self-soothing touch demonstrate its role in reducing responses to stress, buffering physiological and promoting resilience. Functional MRI research from the and later reveals that repetitive self-touch, akin to hand clasping, elicits stronger hemodynamic responses in the orbitofrontal and , areas associated with emotional processing and stress modulation. Cognitive theories link hand clasping preferences to indicators of hemispheric dominance, reflecting underlying brain lateralization patterns. According to Luria's mid-20th-century concept of "latent left-handedness," left-thumb-on-top (L-claspers) may suggest suppressed right-hemisphere influences, observable in non-manual lateral preferences. Such interpretations emphasize hand clasping as a window into cognitive asymmetries, though environmental factors also play a role. Therapeutically, hand clasping has been incorporated into practices and protocols since the 1990s to foster of and grounding during anxiety. In CBT, gently clasping hands across the lower abdomen during breathing exercises helps regulate autonomic responses and refocus attention, enhancing emotional stability. interventions similarly use the to disrupt habitual patterns and anchor awareness, as in guided meditations where clasping promotes a gentle embrace of the self. Interpretations of hand clasping exhibit cultural biases: Western typically views it as a neutral, individualistic signal of personal anxiety or comfort-seeking, whereas collectivist perspectives may associate it with and group harmony, as noted in broader analyses of nonverbal cues across cultures (see Cultural and Religious Significance). Relatedly, hand wringing, a variant stress gesture, intensifies these emotional signals in high-anxiety contexts (see Associated Gestures).

Cultural and Religious Significance

In Christianity

In , prior to the , the predominant prayer posture involved standing with arms raised or extended outward in the position, symbolizing and openness to , as described by in his treatise On around 200 AD, where he instructs believers to "raise, but even expand" their hands temperately, emulating Christ's . This drew from Jewish traditions and biblical precedents, such as Psalm 141:2, and was the norm in public worship to signify lifting prayers heavenward. Following the in 313 AD and the Christianization of the under Constantine, prayer postures evolved toward more contained forms; by the 9th century, joined or folded hands had become the general practice among the , replacing outstretched arms for practicality in growing congregations and to maintain order during . This shift was further influenced by medieval feudal customs in , where vassals clasped their hands before lords as a sign of homage and submission, which Christians adapted to express loyalty and surrender to as the ultimate sovereign. While the common folded hands posture in involves palms pressed together with fingers extended and the right thumb crossed over the left to symbolize and unity, instances of finger interlocking—aligning more closely with the hand clasping trait—appear in devotional art and personal practices. This carries symbolism of , supplication, and interior unity with the divine will, aligning with the Catechism of the Catholic Church's teaching that " is the foundation of " (CCC 2559). In Catholic liturgical practices, the laity adopt folded hands during communal prayers such as the Our Father at to embody personal devotion while the priest employs the position to represent the assembly; this distinction underscores the gesture's role in fostering a mindset of receptive obedience rather than priestly mediation. Similarly, in the sacrament of reconciliation (), penitents often clasp their hands as an act of humble entreaty, visually conveying and reliance on God's mercy, a practice rooted in the gesture's ancient connotation of bound submission akin to Roman prisoners seeking clemency. In Eastern Orthodox traditions, while the posture persists more prominently for and during certain hymns, clasped hands appear in personal or monastic to signify similar themes of reverence and self-offering, though less rigidly prescribed in communal liturgy where hands typically remain at the sides to facilitate frequent signing of the cross. This posture's significance is vividly captured in Christian , particularly in Dürer's renowned 1508 ink drawing Praying Hands (also known as Study of the Hands of an Apostle), which depicts interlaced fingers and upward gaze as an emblem of pious —exemplifying the interlocking hand clasping trait—influencing countless depictions of devotion in Western art from the medieval period onward. Across denominational lines, variations reflect theological emphases: Protestant traditions, emerging from the Reformation's critique of ritualism, tend toward minimalism with no mandated gestures—believers may clasp hands informally in private prayer or stand with open palms in evangelical settings to evoke spontaneity—but high-church Protestants like Anglicans and Lutherans retain folded hands in liturgical contexts to preserve continuity with Catholic heritage. These differences highlight hand clasping's adaptability as a universal yet culturally nuanced expression of Christian before God.

In Buddhism and Eastern Traditions

In Buddhist traditions, while the common Anjali involves palms pressed together without finger interlacing as a gesture of reverence and , hand clasping with interlocking fingers appears in specific mudras and practices. For example, the Karkata mudra (also known as Lina-karkata), where fingers are intertwined, is used in ritual offerings and forms influenced by and Hindu traditions to symbolize unity and cosmic . In Japanese , the gebaku mudra involves clasping hands with fingers interlocking, often denoting binding or protective qualities in deity . In meditative contexts, variations support deeper states of absorption. In Japanese Soto Zen , practitioners form the cosmic (hokkaijō-in) by placing the hands in the lap with the left over the right, fingers loosely overlapping, and thumbs lightly touching to create an oval shape, which aids in sustaining focused awareness and embodying non-dual presence during prolonged sitting. This position provides partial overlap but emphasizes internal stability over full interlacing. Symbolically, such gestures in and practices represent the —such as and —illustrating interconnectedness and non-duality. In Tibetan traditions, certain mudras during prostrations or rituals may incorporate finger interlocking to affirm devotion and purification. These underscore philosophical insights into interdependent phenomena, as in like the . In the and beyond, elements of these mudras have been adapted into global and practices, blending ritual with therapeutic benefits for emotional regulation.

In Other Religions and Customs

In , an ancient Gnostic religion with roots in Mesopotamian traditions, the kushta ritual involves a specific hand clasp during al ceremonies, symbolizing the unbreakable bond of truth and spiritual purity between participants and the divine. This gesture, where the right hands are clasped firmly by the palm, is integral to the masbuta () rite, as detailed in the , the central sacred text compiled between the 2nd and 4th centuries CE. The clasp affirms the initiate's commitment to ethical living and cosmic harmony, drawing from pre-Christian baptismal practices in the region. In , interlaced fingers form part of certain s used in puja offerings to deities, embodying surrender and the unification of individual with the divine. For instance, the Lina-karkata , where fingers are intertwined while palms face outward, signifies the merging of human effort with cosmic energy during rituals, a practice traceable to Vedic traditions around 1500 BCE as described in texts like the . This gesture, often performed while presenting floral or offerings, underscores devotion () and the dissolution of ego, enhancing the ritual's spiritual potency. Among indigenous traditions, such as those of Native American peoples, hand clasping features prominently in prayer circles aimed at channeling communal spiritual energy and renewal. In the late 19th-century movement, participants formed circles and clasped hands while shuffling in unison, invoking ancestral spirits and collective harmony, as ethnographer observed and documented among the and other Plains tribes in his 1896 report. This practice, blending elements of mourning and hope, facilitated shared visions of cultural revitalization amid colonial pressures. Islamic practices exhibit variations in hand positioning, with minimal clasping during (ritual prayer), where the right hand typically grasps the left wrist or forearm over the chest to maintain focus and humility, as per hadith narrations in . However, in folk customs of , such as the whirling rituals of the , dervishes extend their arms with palms oriented—one upward to receive and the other downward to bestow blessings—facilitating ecstatic union (fana) with the divine, a tradition inspired by 13th-century poet Rumi's teachings.

Symbolic and Social Interpretations

Gesture Symbolism

Clasped hands serve as a universal symbol of unity, agreement, and protection in various cultural contexts. In medieval European , the depiction of two hands clasped together, referred to as "foi," represents , trust, and , often used to signify peaceful pacts or marital bonds. This gesture underscores the idea of mutual commitment, where the interlocking fingers symbolize an unbreakable connection between parties. In literary and artistic depictions, clasped hands frequently convey , , and devotion. Renaissance painters employed the motif to express and spiritual sincerity, as seen in portraits and religious scenes where figures hold hands together to denote reverence or loyal bonds. Cross-cultural motifs highlight hand clasping as a marker of binding oaths and harmony. The gesture's portrayal has evolved in media from to expressions of . In , such as , clasping hands denotes faith, love, and solemn vows, often in moments of emotional appeal. In contemporary films, it appears as a trope for heartfelt , where characters clasp hands to convey genuine pleas or emotional authenticity during pivotal dialogues.

Social and Emotional Contexts

Hand clasping, often involving the interlocking of fingers, serves various social functions in interpersonal interactions, particularly as a means of providing comfort and signaling . In close relationships, such as between spouses or family members, mutual hand clasping or holding during stressful situations has been shown to regulate emotional responses by reducing neural activity associated with threat . For instance, a study using (fMRI) demonstrated that holding a partner's hand during exposure to threatening stimuli significantly attenuated activity in regions linked to , more so than holding a stranger's hand, highlighting its role in conveying emotional support and . This aligns with broader 21st-century research indicating that physical touch like hand clasping fosters interpersonal connection and buffers against stress in everyday scenarios, such as comforting a distressed individual during a . Emotionally, hand clasping frequently manifests subconsciously as a self-soothing mechanism to manage anxiety or heightened , including in contexts of excitement or . Behavioral analyses reveal that individuals often clasp their hands tightly in response to internal tension, such as during periods of , to achieve a calming effect through the repetitive, grounding nature of the . In group settings like sports crowds, observers have noted clenched or clasped hands as a common nonverbal indicator of collective and emotional intensity, where the helps regulate personal excitement or nervousness amid shared . These patterns underscore hand clasping's role in , distinct from more overt expressions, as supported by studies on nonverbal behaviors in high- environments. Cultural and norms significantly influence the acceptability and interpretation of hand clasping in social contexts, with variations particularly evident in conservative societies. Ethnographic research from the early in regions like parts of and the documents greater restraint in public hand clasping or holding, especially between unrelated individuals of opposite genders, due to norms emphasizing and social hierarchy. For example, in conservative Islamic or Hindu-influenced communities, such gestures are often limited to same-gender interactions or private family settings to avoid perceptions of impropriety, reflecting broader -segregated behavioral expectations. These norms contrast with more permissive Western contexts, where hand clasping is routinely used across genders for or comfort without stigma, illustrating how cultural frameworks shape the gesture's social permissibility. In modern therapeutic and professional settings, hand clasping functions as a nonverbal cue for self-regulation, aiding individuals in managing anxiety during activities like or counseling sessions. Within , self-directed hand clasping is classified as an adaptor —a type of manipulator identified in frameworks—used to alleviate stress by providing tactile feedback and redirecting nervous energy. Paul Ekman's gesture coding systems further categorize such actions as self-adaptors that occur unconsciously to soothe discomfort, often observed in clients during emotionally charged discussions. Similarly, in , speakers may clasp hands to steady nerves and maintain composure, as this helps modulate physiological without distracting from the message, per analyses of kinesic behaviors in high-stakes verbal performances.

References

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