Neuroanatomical correlates of time perspective: A voxel-based morphometry study.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuroimaging

Background:

• Time perspective (TP) influences various behaviors, including decision-making and health choices.
• The neural underpinnings of different dimensions of TP remain largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neural substrates associated with distinct dimensions of time perspective.
• To identify reliable neuroanatomical biomarkers for multidimensional TP.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI) to assess TP dimensions.
• Employed voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to quantify gray matter volume (GMV).
• Analyzed data across two independent samples (N=150 and N=58).

Main Results:

• Past-Negative TP correlated with GMV in the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC).
• Past-Positive TP showed a negative correlation with orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) GMV.
• Future TP was negatively associated with medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) GMV.
• Present-Hedonistic TP correlated with middle temporal gyrus (MTG) GMV, and Present-Fatalistic TP with precuneus GMV.
• Findings were validated in an independent sample, confirming GMV as a predictor for TP dimensions.

Conclusions:

• Demonstrates selective neural bases for different time perspectives.
• Identifies stable neuroanatomical biomarkers for multidimensional TP, offering insights into behavior regulation.