Week 9: Personality neuroscience
Video:
Did you miss the class? Or would you like to learn more? Dr. Minoo has created a video summarizing this lesson. Hope it helps!
Follow up from class:
One of our classmates brought up an additional personality inventory tool: HEXACO., which includes six dimentions of personality: Honesty-Humility, Emotionality (similar to neuroticism,), eXtraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness and Openness to Experience. You can read more on the Hexaco website.
The Brain Behind Your Personality: Why we behave like we do
How would you describe yourself? Would you say you are shy? Outgoing? Quick to anger? Kind? These are examples of personalities. There is a wide range of personalities which contribute to our behavior. This class will look at personalities. It will begin by introducing a new field of science known as personality neuroscience which tries to look at our differences through a neuroscience lens. We will then look at various theories on personalities and settle on one of the more accepted ones. Finally, we will look at ways to take advantage of those personalities that make us stronger and better.
What is personality neuroscience?
(DeYoung, 2022)
Personality neuroscience is the study of our individual psychological differences using neuroscientific methods. It is a field which has been around for decades, but only recently has become significant, as technologies have become more widely available.
Personality neuroscience uses a variety of methods to measure. They include studying molecular genetics, pharmacological approaches (how drugs interact with cells and proteins, and drugs that can change biological systems), electroencephalography (EEG, which measures electrical energy in the brain) and other neuroimaging modalities like MRI and PET.
What is personality?
Personality includes all psychological attributes, as well as tendencies to be a certain way. Research has suggested that personality is shaped by both genetic and environmental forces, which all impact our personality. When we describe personality neuroscience, we are looking at the causes and correlates of individual differences.
Personality neuroscience is important for three reasons
It can explain why we have different personalities and the wide deviations around an “average” brain
It uncovers intervention approaches which may alleviate certain unwanted behaviors, such as medication, brain stimulation or psychological processes like cognitive behavioral therapy
It allows for predicting outcomes when diagnosing psychological processes, using more accurate measurements and applications
Why personality neuroscience is especially important to us as Emeritus students
Personality neuroscience bridges the study of personality with neuroscience, helping to uncover the biological systems, providing insights on how personality traits change with age and how they can affect our brain structure and function. This can be reflected in our mental health, our social relationships, and our lifelong learning.
Mental Health: Understanding the neuroscience of personality traits associated with mental health (such as neuroticism and the link to depression and anxiety) can help with early detection and intervention. It may help to create a more personalized mental health intervention when considering the individual’s unique brain structure and function. And it may provide insights into the neural basis of resilience and other positive personality traits that can benefit mental health.
Social relationships: Understanding the relationship of the brain in social cognition can lead to interventions to help maintain or improve social skills. It can also aid in developing strategies to resolve interpersonal conflicts and can help to create programs which bolster communication skills.
Lifelong learning: Understanding the concept of brain plasticity and the effect of aging may help to develop educational methods designed for the older adult. Also, understanding certain personality traits (like openness) which are linked to cognitive flexibility can also aid in activities promoting cognitive health and learning. And understanding the neural foundations of motivation and reward can help to create approaches to engage lifelong learners.
Video:
As brain fitness students, we are focused on maintaining our cognitive ability throughout life. This recent study looked at personalities and dementia. While not finding differences in the brains, they did find that certain personalities seem to be protective against dementia, while others may be detrimental. They suggest that behaviors associated with the trait might be the clue, indicating the importance of intervention and modification to reduce the risks. Very compelling study!
A history of personality theories and the Big 5 Personality Traits
(Cherry, 2023) (Trait Theorists, 2020)
Initially, the study of personality was linked to descriptive words (optimistic, aggressive, moody). Trait theorists embarked on a journey to pin them down. In 1936, Gordon Allport found 4500 words used to describe people, which could be organized into three categories: cardinal traits (which dominated your life), central traits (which made up personality) and secondary traits (which may emerge under different circumstances).
Cattell's 16 PF Theory
Raymond Cattell in the mid-20th century wanted to make this list of traits more manageable by narrowing down the list to 171 traits. However, the necessity of saying whether a trait is present or absent did not really capture the uniqueness of the individual, as there is often a range within a trait. So, he came up with 16 factors, called the 16 PF, seen below. (To view your own personality, you can take this short online quiz).
Cattell's 16 PF theory
Eysencks' Four Quadrant Theory
Psychologists Hans and Sybil Eysenck focused their theory on temperament, the personality differences that we are born with. They believed that personality is largely governed by biology. They viewed people as having two specific personality dimensions: extraversion/introversion and neuroticism/stability. From their theory, they were able to identify four quadrants: melancholic, choleric, sanguine, and phlegmatic.
Eysenck's four quadrant theory
The Big 5 (OCEAN) theory
While Cattell’s 16 factors were found to be very broad, and Eysenck’s two factors were too narrow, another theory became a suitable meeting ground. Known as the Five Factor Model, it is now referred to as the Big Five personality traits. It is the most popular theory in personal psychology today, and the most accurate approximation of the basic trait dimensions. This theory identifies five traits considered to be universal aspects of human personality. In this theory, it is thought that each person has some of each of the traits, but they occur across a spectrum. The five traits used are Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism, spelling out the mnemonic OCEAN. You can test yourself here.
Big 5 (OCEAN) theory
Looking at each of the 5 traits
Before diving into the different types, let's view two videos: an eight-minute video describing the study of traits and a seven-minute video which discusses the Big 5 personality traits.
Video:
This video describes traits, which are essential in describing a personality. Although this may be a little theoretical, it does provide insight into our lesson, and reminds us that traits can be positive or negative but not necessarily good or bad.
Video:
This seven minute video reviews personality, the theory behind this trait approach and a discussion of the different traits of the Big 5.
Openness: This refers to how open-minded you are to new experiences or ideas. Researchers have connected this to creativity and intelligence. A person who is low in openness prefers routine and tradition and view new experiences with caution. People who are high in openness tend to be adventurous, creative, intelligent, and enjoy thinking in abstracts. They are more inclined towards unconventional thoughts and are comfortable with ambiguity and change. People with high levels of openness tend to be innovative, flexible, and often have a deep appreciation for art, culture, and new experiences. However they may also experience difficulties in decision-making, as their wide array of interests can lead to indecisiveness or a lack of focus. They might also find it challenging to conform to traditional structures or norms, which can sometimes result in conflict in more conservative or structured environments.
Conscientiousness: Conscientiousness describes a person who is diligent, responsible, and careful. They exercise self-discipline and self-control to achieve their goals. They may also be organized, determined and able to postpone immediate gratification. A conscientious person is persistent, goal-oriented, and responsible. They tend to plan ahead and follow through on commitments and responsibilities. Conscientious people are likely to be seen as dependable and hardworking, often going above and beyond to meet expectations. While it can lead to high levels of success, excessive conscientiousness might also result in stress or burnout due to overly strict self-discipline or perfectionism.
Extraversion: A tendency towards assertiveness, sociability, activity, and high-energy positive emotions. It is believed to have a strong genetic component, although the environment may also be a factor. People who are high in extraversion need social stimulation to feel energized. They gain inspiration and excitement from interacting with others. They are generally perceived as likable and engaging, contributing to their success in various social and professional environments. However, the trait can have negative aspects as well; extraverts may struggle with solitude, become easily bored in the absence of stimulation, and sometimes may be perceived as attention-seeking or overwhelming by more introverted individuals.
Agreeableness: Agreeableness is the propensity towards empathy, cooperation, and kindness in social interactions. Individuals high in agreeableness are characterized by their empathetic understanding, concern for others' welfare, and a cooperative spirit that drives them to seek harmony and avoid conflict. They tend to trust others, approaching social situations with a positive and trusting attitude. Their interactions are marked by politeness, tact, and a willingness to compromise, making them flexible and accommodating in their relationships. This trait outlines how agreeably disposed individuals navigate their social world, prioritizing smooth interactions and the well-being of those around them. However, highly agreeable individuals may prioritize harmony and cooperation to such an extent that they struggle to assert their own needs and preferences which may result in others taking advantage of them. Their strong desire to avoid conflict might deter them from addressing issues directly, which can result in unresolved problems or passive-aggressive behavior.
https://www.choosingtherapy.com/agreeableness/
Neuroticism: This is a trait which reflects a person’s emotional stability. It is often described as a negative personality trait involving negative emotions such as fear, sadness, and anger. Those with higher levels of neuroticism may show poor self-regulation, trouble dealing with stress, a strong reaction to perceived threats. Also, high levels of neuroticism are associated with a greater risk of developing mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. It can lead to problems in relationships and work due to the difficulty in managing stress and negative emotions, affecting overall happiness and life satisfaction. However, high levels of neuroticism are associated with a heightened sensitivity that can lead to greater empathy and the ability to connect with others' emotions deeply. It may also drive individuals to avoid potential dangers and prepare meticulously for challenges, enhancing personal safety and performance under pressure.
Activity: Looking at the personality traits, pick one that you possess that has been a positive factor in your life. Describe a short scenario where this trait has been beneficial to your life.
Personality traits linked to differences in brain structure
(Passamonti, 2017) (Chen, 2022)
As mentioned, personality neuroscience is a new field. There has been research associated with personality traits and differences in brain structure. Some research has suggested structural changes related to personality traits, while others have debated these changes.
There have been studies which support the notion of brain structure differences in personality traits. They include:
A study finding correlation between the Big Five personality traits and the volume of certain brain regions (DeYoung, Testing predictions from personality neuroscience: Brain structure and the big five, 2010)
A review of the literature which discusses how variations in brain structure can explain differences in personality and cognitive abilities (Kanai, 2011)
A study linking the Big Five personality traits to differences in cortical thickness, which suggested a neurobiological basis for personality (Kapagiannis, 2013)
A study using voxel-based morphometrics (VBM, a neuroimaging technique segmenting the brain into grey matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid) which found significant associations between gray matter volume in certain regions of the brain and personality traits (LLu, 2014)
Research which explored the neuronal correlates of the five-factor model of personality, and provided evidence for brain structure relationships with personality trainings using multiple brain imaging techniques (Bjørnebekk, 2013)
There has been skepticism related to some of these studies, which remind us that this is a new field and requires more testing. Some of the concerns related to these studies include:
Limits of methodologies (sample sizes, lack of replication, overreliance on self-reported personality assessments)
Environmental influences (the role of environmental factors, learning and experience in shaping personality which may overshadow the impact of brain structure)
Brain plasticity (the research indicating that the brain can change in response to experiences, which suggest that correlations between brain structure and personality might not be fixed)
Mixed results (many studies reported mixed or inconclusive results, which call for more nuanced approaches to understand the brain-personality relationship)
Personality traits in the brain
Although the research cited above may be viewed with skepticism, it is interesting to see what some of the researchers have suggested. The research seems to focus on volume and structure.
Below is a summary of the areas of the brain which appear to be activated in each of the five personality types: (Personality traits linked to differences in brain structure, 2017) (Zhang, 2023)
Openness: Openness has been associated with greater cortical thickness and volume in the prefrontal cortex, a region implicated in abstract thinking and decision-making, highlighting the cognitive flexibility and wide-ranging intellectual curiosity characteristic of individuals scoring high in openness.
Conscientiousness: High scores in conscientiousness, indicating a tendency towards self-discipline, organization, and dependability, have been linked to larger volumes in the frontal lobes, especially in regions associated with planning and impulse control. This suggests a neural basis for the efficient, goal-oriented behavior that defines conscientious individuals.
Extraversion: Extraversion has been linked to larger volumes in areas of the brain involved in reward, motivation, and social behavior, such as the orbitofrontal cortex and the striatum. This suggests that the brains of extraverted individuals may be wired to derive more pleasure from social interaction and external stimulation.
https://thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/i/i_12/i_12_cr/i_12_cr_con/i_12_cr_con.html
Agreeableness: Characterized by trust, altruism, and cooperativeness, agreeableness has been correlated with increased volume in areas related to empathy and understanding others' perspectives, such as the posterior cingulate cortex and the temporoparietal junction. This structural basis may underlie the enhanced capacity for social harmony and prosocial behavior seen in more agreeable individuals.
Neuroticism: Individuals scoring high in neuroticism have been found to exhibit differences in regions related to emotion processing and regulation, such as the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. These brain areas are crucial for managing emotional responses and stress, suggesting a biological basis for the heightened emotional reactivity seen in high-neuroticism individuals.
Activities tailored to each of the five personality traits:
In this lesson, we discussed the five main personality traits (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism). Our lesson reminds us that there may be differences in the way our brain is wired which can make us more prone to certain personalities. Or it can be that our brain is wired this way because we tend towards these personalities. In any case, if we believe that our brains can be rewired, there are activities for each personality trait which may improve the positive aspects of each. Here are some ideas:
Openness to experience: Focus on creative exploration
Suggested activities: Use art to express yourselves. try Virtual Reality (VR), which can be used to explore new places, cultures and historical sites or use story starters and create poetry or short stories which encourage imaginative thinking and storytelling
Conscientiousness: Focus on goals
Suggested activities: Use puzzles and word games which require focus and problem-solving, research goal setting and planning and learn how to use planners or digital tools to organize daily activities, pick a task which you have been putting off and complete the task.
Extraversion: Focus on Social Interaction
Suggested activities: Each of these focuses on a group environment. You can play a group storytelling game where each person adds a sentence to the story, a game like charades which encourage teamwork and social interaction or join in a discussion group or debate on current events, movies, or books.
https://www.riddlevillage.com/blog/independent-living-activities-for-seniors/
Agreeableness: Focus on Empathy and Cooperation
Suggested activities: These activities also focus mostly on groups which encourage empathy, cooperation and understanding. They include role-playing scenarios on various social situations requiring the understanding of different perspectives, cooperation games which require people to work together or working with others in the community to provide small gifts to those in need.
Neuroticism: Focus on Stress relief
Suggested activities: These activities would include anything that is calming that can relieve stress. They can include meditation and yoga, breathing exercises or even soothing crafts like knitting, coloring, or gardening.
Summary:
In this lesson, we looked at personalities, both a background of different theories and settled on the most common version of personality traits, the Big 5. We investigated that in detail and discovered some of the characteristics. We then looked at the neuroscience behind personalities, keeping in mind that this is a new field, and that research is ongoing. We looked inside ourselves by taking the optional tests mentioned in the lesson. And the lesson concluded with suggested activities which could reinforce positive personality traits. As a brain fitness class, and understanding brain plasticity, we ultimately realize that we can adjust our personalities to reflect a better self.
Works cited
Bjørnebekk, A. e. (2013). Neuronal correlates of the five factor model (FFM) of human personality: Multimodal imaging in a large healthy sample. NeuroImage, 194-208.
Chen, Y. e. (2022, August 9). “Nothing to see here”: No structural brain differences as a function of the Big Five personality traits from a systematic review and meta-analysis. Retrieved from cambridge.org: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/personality-neuroscience/article/nothing-to-see-here-no-structural-brain-differences-as-a-function-of-the-big-five-personality-traits-from-a-systematic-review-and-metaanalysis/BD74C86346A7C3B65E255FA9F1C6D797
Cherry, K. (2023, March 11). What Are the Big 5 Personality Traits? Retrieved from verywellmind.com: https://www.verywellmind.com/the-big-five-personality-dimensions-2795422
DeYoung, C. e. (2010). Testing predictions from personality neuroscience: Brain structure and the big five. Psychological Science, 820-828.
DeYoung, C. e. (2022, October). Personality Neuroscience: An Emerging Field with Bright Prospects. Retrieved from nih.gov: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9561792/
Kanai, R. (2011). The structural basis of inter-individual differences in human behaviour and cognition. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 231-242.
Kapagiannis, D. e. (2013). The five factors of personality and regional cortical variability in the Baltimore longitudinal study of aging. Human Brain Mapping, 2829-2840.
LLu, .. F. (2014). Relationship between personality and gray matter volume in healthy young adults: A voxel-based morphometric study. PLoS ONE, 88763.
Passamonti, L. (2017, January 25). What your brain structure says about your personality. Retrieved from theconversation.com: https://theconversation.com/what-your-brain-structure-says-about-your-personality-71826
Personality traits linked to differences in brain structure. (2017, January 25). Retrieved from cam.ac.uk: https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/personality-traits-linked-to-differences-in-brain-structure
Trait Theorists. (2020, January). Retrieved from opened.cuny.edu: https://opened.cuny.edu/courseware/lesson/72/overview
Zhang, Y. e. (2023, September 04). Personality traits and brain health: a large prospective cohort study. Retrieved from nature.com: https://www.nature.com/articles/s44220-023-00119-8