White Matter and You

Researchers at the University of Bonn are investigating a possible connection between the neural connections in our white matter and our personalities. A group of 20 subjects were given surveys to ascertain whether they tended to be more adventurous, extroverted novelty-seekers or more grounded, introverted comfort-seekers. The researchers then imaged the subject brains with diffusion tensor imaging, a form of MRI usually used in clinical studies to evaluate brain damage.

They found that the novelty seekers tended to have much more white matter connections between the hippocampus (which we learned in class is a major player in storing memories) and the ventral striatum, which has been identified as a planning and reward center. The comfort seekers tended to have more white matter connections between the ventral striatum and the frontal lobe, which plays a role in following societal norms (among many, many other things).

The research implies that the novelty seekers are neurologically more inclined to feel rewarded by trying new things and making new memories, while the comfort seekers are neurologically more inclined to feel more rewarded by old, familiar activities.

To this point, there have been very few studies in how white matter connectivity affects personality. This study is very interesting for many in the fields of neuropsychology and neurophysiology, as it is attempting to discern how personality is affected by the brain’s architecture.

Jeremy Rogers
VTPP 434-502

From:
Lauren Cahoon, “A Brain Circuit for Bungee Jumping?” ScienceNOW, November 24, 2008.
http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/2008/1124/1