Neural Correlates of the Big Five Personality Traits: Understanding the Brain Basis of Openness, Conscientiousness, Extroversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism

Kok Hwee CHIA; Meng Kiat TAN

doi:10.64663/aet.42

Authors

Kok Hwee CHIA Merlion Paediatric Therapy Clinic, Singapore https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3645-2602
Meng Kiat TAN Merlion Paediatric Therapy Clinic, Singapore https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4044-3015

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64663/aet.42

Keywords:

Big Five personality traits, Brain regions, Neural correlates, Neural underpinnings, Neuroscience studies

Abstract

This article explores the neural underpinnings of the Big Five Personality Traits (BFPTs) - Openness to Experience [O], Conscientiousness [C], Extroversion [E], Agreeableness [A], and Neuroticism [N] or the acronym OCEAN - by examining recent studies in neuroscience. Research reveals distinct brain regions associated with each trait, shedding light on their neural bases. Conscientiousness is linked to increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, reflecting its role in self-regulation and goal-directed behavior. Neuroticism shows associations with the amygdala and other limbic structures, indicating a neural predisposition to emotional reactivity and stress sensitivity. Extroversion is related to the dopamine system and ventral striatum, suggesting its connection to reward processing and social engagement. Openness to Experience correlates with increased connectivity in the default mode network and prefrontal cortex (PFC), supporting its association with cognitive flexibility and creativity. Agreeableness is linked to the temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) and brain areas involved in empathy and social cognition. Understanding these neural correlates provides insights into how personality traits are represented in the brain and influence behavior.

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