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Meta-analysis of Voxel-Based Neuroimaging Studies using Seed-based d Mapping with Permutation of Subject Images (SDM-PSI)

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Gray matter correlates of dispositional optimism: a voxel-based morphometry study.

Junyi Yang¹, Dongtao Wei, Kangcheng Wang

¹Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.

Neuroscience Letters

|August 31, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Dispositional optimism, a key human trait, is linked to better well-being. This study found optimism correlates with increased gray matter volume in specific brain regions, suggesting a biological basis for this positive outlook.

Keywords:

Dispositional optimism Gray matter Parahippocampal gyrus Thalamus Voxel-based morphometry

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Psychology
Human Evolution

Background:

Dispositional optimism is a significant individual difference influencing physical and psychological well-being.
Previous neuroimaging research on optimism had limitations, including small sample sizes and lack of focus on structural brain correlates.
Understanding the neural underpinnings of dispositional optimism is crucial for its potential therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the association between individual differences in dispositional optimism and brain structure.
To identify specific brain regions associated with varying levels of optimism in healthy adults.

Main Methods:

Utilized voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to analyze brain structure.
Employed the revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R) to assess dispositional optimism.
Examined a cohort of 361 healthy participants.

Main Results:

Found a significant positive association between dispositional optimism and gray matter volume.
Identified a cluster of brain regions, including the left thalamus/pulvinar and left parahippocampal gyrus, showing increased gray matter volume in optimistic individuals.
These findings highlight specific neural correlates of dispositional optimism.

Conclusions:

Dispositional optimism has a biological basis reflected in brain structure.
The findings suggest that individual differences in optimism are supported by distinct gray matter regions.
This research provides novel insights into the neuroanatomy of positive psychological traits.