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Are Sex Differences in Human Brain Structure Associated With Sex Differences in Behavior?
Liza van Eijk1,2,3,4, Dajiang Zhu5, Baptiste Couvy-Duchesne6
1Centre for Psychology and Evolution, School of Psychology, University of Queensland.
Psychological Science
|July 29, 2021
Summary
Sex differences in brain structure and behavior show a weak association, primarily driven by overall brain size. These differences are moderately heritable, suggesting a link but requiring cautious interpretation of causality.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Genetics
- Sex Differences Research
Background:
- Men and women exhibit average differences in brain structure and behavior.
- Societal and cultural norms also influence sex-differentiated behaviors, complicating direct links to brain structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between individual differences in brain structure and behavior along a male-female dimension.
- To determine the extent to which behavioral sex differences are associated with brain structural differences, considering within-sex variability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Queensland Twin Imaging study (n=1,040) and the Human Connectome Project (n=1,113).
- Derived data-driven measures of individual differences in brain and behavior along a male-female continuum based on average sex differences.
- Analyzed the association between these brain and behavioral measures and their heritability.
Main Results:
- A weak association was found between sex-differentiated brain structure and behavior measures.
- This association was predominantly driven by differences in overall brain size.
- The observed brain and behavioral differences demonstrated moderate heritability.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral sex differences are partially related to sex differences in brain structure.
- Brain size is a significant factor mediating this relationship.
- Causal interpretations of these findings should be made with caution due to the complex interplay of factors.
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