Default network deactivations are correlated with psychopathic personality traits.
BACKGROUND
The posteromedial cortex (PMC) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) are part of a network of brain regions that has been found to exhibit decreased activity during goal-oriented tasks. This network is thought to support a baseline of brain activity, and is commonly referred to as the "default network". Although recent reports suggest that the PMC and mPFC are associated with affective, social, and self-referential processes, the relationship between these default network components and personality traits, especially those pertaining to social context, is poorly understood.


RESULTS
In the current investigation, we assessed the relationship between PMC and mPFC deactivations and psychopathic personality traits using fMRI and a self-report measure. We found that PMC deactivations predicted traits related to egocentricity and mPFC deactivations predicted traits related to decision-making.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the PMC and mPFC are associated with processes involving self-relevancy and affective decision-making, consistent with previous reports. More generally, these findings suggest a link between default network activity and personality traits.
Sheng
Tong
T
Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA. tsheng@usc.edu
Gheytanchi
Anahita
A
Aziz-Zadeh
Lisa
L
D000328:Adult; D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D001931:Brain Mapping; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011859:Radiography; D012649:Self Concept; D055815:Young Adult