Neural correlates of neuroticism: A coordinate-based meta-analysis of resting-state functional brain imaging studies. (March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lin, Jinping; Li, Lei; Pan, Nanfang; Liu, Xiqin; Zhang, Xun; Suo, Xueling; Kemp, Graham J.; Wang, Song; Gong, Qiyong
• Is Part Of: Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews. Volume 146(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-03
• Subjects: Neuroticism personality -- Neuroscience -- Resting-state functional brain imaging -- Meta-analysis -- Mental disorders -- Psychoradiology; Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Behavior -- Periodicals; Ethology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Psychophysiologie -- Périodiques; Comportement humain -- Périodiques; Animaux -- Mœurs et comportement -- Périodiques; Neurologie -- Périodiques; Animal behavior; Human behavior; Neurology; Psychophysiology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 573.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105055
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-7634

Abstract

Abstract: Neuroticism is one of the most robust higher-order personality traits associated with negative emotionality and risk of mental disorders. Many studies have investigated relationships between neuroticism and the brain, but the results have been inconsistent. We conducted a meta-analysis of whole-brain resting-state functional neuroimaging studies to identify the most stable neurofunctional substrates of neuroticism. We found stable significant positive correlations between neuroticism and resting-state brain activity in the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG), left striatum, and right hippocampus. In contrast, resting-state brain activity in the left superior temporal gyrus (STG) and right supramarginal gyrus (SMG) was negatively associated with neuroticism. Additionally, meta-regression analysis revealed brain regions in which sex and age moderated the link of spontaneous activity with neuroticism. This is the first study to provide a comprehensive understanding of resting-state brain activity correlates of neuroticism, and the findings may be useful for the targeting of specific brain regions for interventions to decrease the risks of mental health problems. Highlights: This is the first meta-analysis of resting-state functional neuroimaging studies exploring brain correlates of neuroticism. We identified consistent and replicable functional brain activity alterations associated with neuroticism. The findings may be useful for the selection of targeted brain regions for interventions on neuroticism.