Psychiatrist Discusses Differences in Brain Structure Between Male and Female Residents of Nizhny Novgorod.
In a recent statement made to the news outlet sovainfo.ru on July 23, 2025, psychiatrist Darja Smirnova discussed the "dominant hemisphere paradigm" and its implications for men and women. According to Smirnova, the paradigm, which posits that certain cognitive functions are predominantly processed in one hemisphere of the brain, shows that in right-handed men, the left hemisphere is more dominant for logical and mathematical tasks, while in right-handed women, the right hemisphere is more dominant for emotional tasks.
Smirnova also mentioned that the brain of men is, on average, 10-12% heavier than that of women. However, it is important to note that this difference does not necessarily translate into significant differences in cerebral dominance for tasks like language or spatial processing.
Research indicates some structural brain differences between men and women, such as differences in hemispheric asymmetry and inter-hemispheric connectivity. On average, female brains have a larger ratio of grey matter to white matter and more commissural tracts for inter-hemispheric connectivity compared to males. However, the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize itself based on experience and task demands (neuroplasticity) is thought to be similar across sexes.
While there are no conclusive findings indicating significant differences in cerebral dominance between men and women based on the Dominant Hemisphere Paradigm, some studies suggest women may have greater inter-hemispheric connectivity, which could influence processing patterns. However, current neurological research generally shows no significant differences in cognitive capacity between sexes.
In discussions about geniuses and people with higher intelligence, there are slightly more men. However, the average intelligence level in men and women worldwide is the same. Smirnova's statement about the dominance of certain hemispheres in men and women adds to the ongoing debate about sex differences in cognitive abilities and brain function.
Smirnova's statement has sparked controversy and debate among researchers and the general public alike. While some argue that the differences in hemisphere dominance could have significant implications for understanding sex differences in cognitive abilities, others caution against drawing conclusions based on limited evidence. Smirnova's research is ongoing, and it will be interesting to see how her findings develop and contribute to our understanding of the complex relationships between sex, brain structure, and cognitive function.
In the ongoing debate about sex differences in cognitive abilities and brain function, Smirnova's research on the Dominant Hemisphere Paradigm has brought to light potential differences in hemispheric dominance between right-handed men and women in specific tasks, such as logical and mathematical tasks for men, and emotional tasks for women. Moreover, recent neurological research points towards possible differences in inter-hemispheric connectivity between the sexes, which could potentially influence processing patterns, adding to the discussion about health-and-wellness and mental-health implications.
