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Structural brain differences do not mediate the relations between sex and personality or psychopathology
Courtland S Hyatt1, Benjamin S Listyg1, Max M Owens2
1University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.
Journal of Personality
|February 5, 2022
Summary
Sex differences in brain morphometry do not explain variations in personality or psychopathology between men and women. Despite observed differences in brain structure and psychological traits, no direct link was found in this study.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Human Brain Imaging
Background:
- Sex differences in personality and psychopathology are well-documented and stable across cultures.
- Previous research suggests brain structure differences may underlie cognitive sex differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether sex differences in brain morphometry mediate observed sex differences in personality (neuroticism, agreeableness) and psychopathology (internalizing, externalizing).
Main Methods:
- Utilized Human Connectome Project data (N=1098).
- Assessed brain morphometry using omnibus measures, Glasser atlas regions, and Desikan atlas regions.
- Performed statistical mediation analyses to link brain morphometry to psychological traits.
Main Results:
- Confirmed expected sex differences in personality, psychopathology, and brain morphometry.
- Statistical mediation analyses revealed no significant relationship: brain morphometry did not account for psychological sex differences.
Conclusions:
- While sex differences exist in both brain morphometry and psychological domains, they appear to be independent.
- Brain morphometric differences, whether overall or regional, do not explain the psychological differences observed between sexes.
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