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Testing predictions from personality neuroscience. Brain structure and the big five.
Colin G DeYoung1, Jacob B Hirsh, Matthew S Shane
1University of Minnesota, 75 East River Rd., Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. ccdeyoung@umn.edu
Psychological Science
|May 4, 2010
Summary
This study links the Big Five personality traits to specific brain region volumes in healthy adults. Findings support a biological basis for personality and the field of personality neuroscience.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- The Big Five personality traits are a widely accepted model of human personality.
- Understanding the biological underpinnings of personality is crucial for a comprehensive view of individual differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test a new theory on the biological basis of the Big Five personality traits.
- To investigate the association between personality traits and the volume of specific brain regions.
Main Methods:
- Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used on 116 healthy adults.
- Statistical analyses controlled for age, sex, and whole-brain volume.
Main Results:
- Hypotheses were supported for Extraversion, Neuroticism, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness.
- Extraversion correlated with medial orbitofrontal cortex volume (reward processing).
- Neuroticism correlated with brain regions involved in threat and negative affect.
- Agreeableness correlated with regions processing social intentions.
- Conscientiousness correlated with lateral prefrontal cortex volume (planning and behavioral control).
Conclusions:
- The findings support a biologically based model of the Big Five personality traits.
- This study highlights the potential of personality neuroscience as a discipline for studying individual differences.
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