Affective personality differences in neural processing efficiency confirmed using fMRI

Abstract

To test for a relation between individual differences in personality and neural-processing efficiency, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess brain activity within regions associated with cognitive control during a demanding working memory task. Fifty-three participants completed both the self-report behavioral inhibition sensitivity (BIS) and behavioral approach sensitivity (BAS) personality scales and a standard measure of fluid intelligence (Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices). They were then scanned as they performed a three-back working memory task. A mixed blocked/ event-related fMRI design enabled us to identify both sustained and transient neural activity. Higher BAS was negatively related to event-related activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate, the lateral prefrontal cortex, and parietal areas in regions of interest identified in previous work. These relationships were not explained by differences in either behavioral performance or fluid intelligence, consistent with greater neural efficiency. The results reveal the high specificity of the relationships among personality, cognition, and brain activity. The data confirm that affective dimensions of personality are independent of intelligence, yet also suggest that they might be interrelated in subtle ways, because they modulate activity in overlapping brain regions that appear to be critical for task performance.

Neuroanatomical correlates of personality in the elderly

“…These studies primarily point to associations between specific regions of the PFC -including orbitofrontal and dorsolateral regions -or amygdala, and extraversion and neuroticism. This is consistent with earlier functional imaging studies showing associations between extraversion, neuroticism or related measures and the activities of the PFC and amygdala during resting states (Johnson et al, 1999), or in response to specific activation procedures (Canli et al, 2001;Canli et al, 2002;Zald et al, 2002;Gusnard et al, 2003;Schwartz et al, 2003;Canli et al, 2004;Gray et al, 2005). However, the structure (and function) of the PFC and amygdala are altered with aging, and it remains uncertain how this effect may influence the relationships between these structures with extraversion and neuroticism.…”

Anxiety and cognitive efficiency: Differential modulation of transient and sustained neural activity during a working memory task

“…Such enhanced effort could be associated with increased activation in brain regions associated with cognitive control, such as dorsolateral or ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC or VLPFC) or dorsal anterior cingulate (ACC; Cazalis et al, 2003;Donohue, Wendelken, & Bunge, 2008;Wagner, Maril, Bjork, & Schacter, 2001). If so, this pattern would be consistent with neuroimaging studies that interpret relatively greater activation in cognitive control areas (given equal performance) as a sign of reduced processing efficiency (Gray et al, 2005). However, anxiety has also been associated with underactivation r r in cognitive control neural circuits (Bishop, 2007;Bishop, Duncan, Brett, & Lawrence, 2004), a finding which has also been interpreted as deficient recruitment of cognitive control.…”

Motivational influences on cognitive control: Behavior, brain activation, and individual differences

“…Previous imaging studies that incorporated scores on the BAS scale have shown that activity in regions like the anterior cingulate (Gray & Braver, 2002) and the left lateral PFC (Gray et al, 2005) are correlated with BAS. Specifically, higher BAS scores were associated with lower activity, despite equivalent performance with the low BAS group, suggesting greater processing efficiency.…”

“…For example, maintaining vigilance during intertrial intervals rather than lapsing into reverie may make participants faster to perceive and respond to stimuli when they appear. Additionally, most of the previoustexts, which could affect cognitive control, task-relevant processing and, ultimately, behavior.Previous imaging studies that incorporated scores on the BAS scale have shown that activity in regions like the anterior cingulate (Gray & Braver, 2002) and the left lateral PFC (Gray et al, 2005) are correlated with BAS. Specifically, higher BAS scores were associated with lower activity, despite equivalent performance with the low BAS group, suggesting greater processing efficiency.…”