Functional Connectivity Basis and Underlying Cognitive Mechanisms for Gender Differences in Guilt Aversion

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Social Psychology
• Behavioral Economics

Background:

• Prosocial behavior is crucial for societal function.
• Guilt aversion and inequity aversion are key drivers of prosocial actions.
• Existing research shows women are more inequity averse, but gender differences in guilt aversion are unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gender differences in guilt aversion using neuroimaging and behavioral methods.
• To explore the neural mechanisms underlying guilt aversion in men and women.
• To examine the relationship between personality traits (Big Five) and guilt aversion across genders.

Main Methods:

• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study with 52 participants.
• Large-scale online behavioral study with 4,723 participants using a trust game.
• Analysis of brain connectivity (DLPFC-VMPFC, VMPFC-DMPFC) and correlation with Big Five personality traits.

Main Results:

• Men showed stronger guilt aversion compared to women.
• Men exhibited greater right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)-ventromedial PFC (VMPFC) connectivity during guilt aversion.
• Conscientiousness correlated with guilt aversion in men; Agreeableness correlated in both genders.

Conclusions:

• Gender differences in prosocial behavior are complex and depend on underlying neural motives.
• Social norm consideration is a key factor in stronger male guilt aversion.
• The study reveals distinct neurobiological and psychological underpinnings of guilt aversion in men and women.