Connecting Openness and the Resting-State Brain Network: A Discover-Validate Approach

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Brain Imaging

Background:

• The relationship between personality traits and brain activity is a key area in personality neuroscience.
• Previous research often began with personality traits to infer brain function.
• A
• brain-first
• approach using objective brain imaging data has been lacking for the openness trait.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the association between the openness trait and resting-state brain networks using a data-driven, brain-first strategy.
• To identify specific neural networks linked to openness.
• To validate these findings using an independent sample.

Main Methods:

• Utilized resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from 120 subjects (discovery sample) and 56 subjects (validation sample).
• Employed independent component analysis (ICA) for an exploratory, data-driven network discovery.
• Assessed personality using the Neuroticism Extraversion Openness Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI).

Main Results:

• Identified a parietal network, including the precuneus and inferior parietal lobe, associated with personality.
• Found significant associations between the inter-subject similarity of this parietal memory network and the openness trait.
• Validated the openness-parietal network association in an independent sample.

Conclusions:

• The study establishes a novel connection between the openness personality trait and a specific resting-state brain network.
• This research provides objective neuroimaging evidence for the biological basis of openness.
• Highlights the utility of a brain-first, data-driven approach in personality neuroscience.