The unique characteristics of extraversion: A systematic review and coordinate-based meta-analysis of resting state...

Extraversion, a core personality trait with significant implications for various life and work domains, has been extensively studied for its neural underpinnings, yet yielding inconsistent results. To resolve this, we employed the AES-SDM meta-analytic method and conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) studies to elucidate the relationship between extraversion and spontaneous brain activities at rest. Our analysis included 9 datasets from 11 studies, encompassing a total of 1242 participants, both adults and minors. Positive correlations were observed between extraversion and brain activity in regions such as the right supplementary motor area(SMA), right lingual gyri(LING), left inferior parietal lobule(IPL), and an undefined area(BA 48). Conversely, extraversion negatively correlated with the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG) and three clusters within the right superior frontal gyrus (SFG). These findings not only offer valuable insights into the neural mechanisms of extraversion using rs-fMRI methodology but also suggest potential associations with dopamine and reward systems. The implications of these results underscore the importance of understanding how individual differences in extraversion may influence cognitive and emotional processes, with potential applications in personalized interventions and therapeutic approaches. This study's contribution to the field is the clarification of the neural correlates of extraversion, providing a clearer picture of the brain's role in this personality trait.