The Relationship of Neuroticism, Psychoticism and Depression With Visual Evoked Potentials

Abstract

SUMMARYThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between visual evoked potentials (N1, P2, N2, P3 and Sw) and levels of neuroticism, psychoticism and depression. Based on previous research, longer EP-latencies were expected in more depressed subjects, and smaller EP-amplitudes in subjects with higher levels of neuroticism and psychoticism. The sample consisted of female psychology students (N=54), age 19-23, all right-handed. After measuring Eysenck's personality dimensions with EPQ/R, and depression with D-92, evoked potentials were measured in two trials by means of the EMG/EP device Medelec/TECA Sapphire II , 4E. Significantly lower P2-amplitudes, reflecting early stimuli processing, and lower N2-amplitudes, reflecting stimuli characteristic assignment, were found in subjects with higher neuroticism. The most stable relation, determined in both trials, was the one between P2-amplitude and neuroticism. Higher amplitudes of N2 and P3, representing attention allocation and memory updating, were significantly correlated with higher psychoticism. Finally, as expected, slow wave latency was significantly prolonged in more depressed subjects. Eysencks' personality theory and over-arousal hypothesis are used as theoretical frames for discussing the results and future research guidelines. The research findings significantly contribute to the understanding of biological determination within rarely explored personality traits, such as neuroticism, psychoticism and depression. However, since the research has some limitations, concrete guidelines for future electrophysiological studies in the field of human personality have been recommended.

Association Between the Visual N1-P2 Complex and Neuroticism

“…In the first trial of the study, the first major negative peak between 80 and 100 ms for the rare stimuli was identified as the N100 response. 37 From both trials, the study reported that the most stable relation identified was between P200 amplitude and neuroticism. 37 Furthermore, Chernyshev et al 38 identified that object-related emotionality was positively correlated with P2 and N1-P2 complex amplitudes.…”

“…37 From both trials, the study reported that the most stable relation identified was between P200 amplitude and neuroticism. 37 Furthermore, Chernyshev et al 38 identified that object-related emotionality was positively correlated with P2 and N1-P2 complex amplitudes. On the other hand, both extraversion assessed using the Eysenck personality inventory (EPI) and mobility of nervous process assessed using the Strelau temperament inventory (STI) were negatively correlated with the amplitude of the N1-P2 complex, respectively.…”

“…35 More recently, however, an ERP study did not find an association between neuroticism and P300. 36 Tatalović Vorkapić and Tadinac 37 also investigated the association between visual evoked potentials including N100, P200, N200, P300, and slow wave, in relation to levels of neuroticism, psychoticism, and depression. In the first trial of the study, the first major negative peak between 80 and 100 ms for the rare stimuli was identified as the N100 response.…”