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Updated: Mar 14, 2026
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Virtual Reality Experiments with Physiological Measures
Published on: August 29, 2018
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Neuroticism modulates brain visuo-vestibular and anxiety systems during a virtual rollercoaster task
Roberta Riccelli1, Iole Indovina2,3, Jeffrey P Staab4
1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia,", Catanzaro, Italy.
Human Brain Mapping
|September 29, 2016
Summary
Anxiety-related personality traits, like neuroticism, affect brain activity and connectivity in visual-vestibular and anxiety systems during simulated vertical self-motion. This study reveals how personality influences balance control mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Human Brain Mapping
Background:
- Anxiety-related personality traits may impact balance control, but underlying brain mechanisms are not fully understood.
- Neuroticism and introversion are key personality traits linked to anxiety.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate how neuroticism and introversion modulate brain activity and functional connectivity during simulated self-motion.
- Examine the neural basis of personality's influence on visuo-vestibular balance control.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used on 24 healthy individuals.
- Participants performed a virtual reality rollercoaster task with vertical and horizontal motion trials.
- Brain activity and functional connectivity were correlated with Five Factor Model personality traits.
Main Results:
- Higher neuroticism scores correlated with increased activity in the left parieto-insular vestibular cortex (PIVC) during vertical motion.
- Increased functional connectivity between the left PIVC and right amygdala was associated with higher neuroticism.
Conclusions:
- Individual differences in anxiety-related personality traits are linked to altered brain activity and connectivity in visuo-vestibular and anxiety systems.
- Findings provide new insights into the neural mechanisms connecting personality, anxiety, and balance control.
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