Whole-brain white matter correlates of personality profiles predictive of subjective well-being

Abstract

We investigated the white matter correlates of personality profiles predictive of subjective well-being. Using principal component analysis to first determine the possible personality profiles onto which core personality measures would load, we subsequently searched for whole-brain white matter correlations with these profiles. We found three personality profiles that correlated with the integrity of white matter tracts. The correlates of an “optimistic” personality profile suggest (a) an intricate network for self-referential processing that helps regulate negative affect and maintain a positive outlook on life, (b) a sustained capacity for visually tracking rewards in the environment and (c) a motor readiness to act upon the conviction that desired rewards are imminent. The correlates of a “short-term approach behavior” profile was indicative of minimal loss of integrity in white matter tracts supportive of lifting certain behavioral barriers, possibly allowing individuals to act more outgoing and carefree in approaching people and rewards. Lastly, a “long-term approach behavior” profile’s association with white matter tracts suggests lowered sensitivity to transient updates of stimulus-based associations of rewards and setbacks, thus facilitating the successful long-term pursuit of goals. Together, our findings yield convincing evidence that subjective well-being has its manifestations in the brain.

Understanding Wellbeing Profiles According to White Matter Structural Connectivity Sub-types in Early Adolescents: The First Hundred Brains Cohort from the Longitudinal Adolescent Brain Study

“…Relating to white matter specifically, previous literature finding associations between aspects of wellbeing and structural connectivity, only reported on bilateral findings (Jung et al, 2022 ; Vitolo et al, 2022 ). Additionally, although Kotikalapudi et al ( 2022 ) reported that optimism was associated with AD in numerous tracts in the right hemisphere exclusively, their participants were mostly female and ranged from 18 to 40 years old. From a developmental perspective, a recent study reported on the FA values of the three branches of the SLF, finding a significant right lateralization in adolescents, but only in two portions of the SLF (Amemiya et al, 2021 ), whilst a longitudinal study in 9–13 year olds reported that pubertal stage was positively correlated with fiber density in the SLF-R specifically (Genc et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Vitolo et al ( 2022 ) measured emotion regulation and white matter microstructure, finding anomalies across tracts linking occipital, parietal, and temporal regions, whereby those with low re-appraisal had increased mean diffusivity in clusters within the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), superior corona radiata (SCR) and anterior uncinate fasciculus (UF). Kotikalapudi et al ( 2022 ) investigated personality profiles that may be predictive of wellbeing and the potential relationships with white matter. They found that optimism was positively associated with AD values exclusively in the right hemisphere, and specifically within the anterior cingulum bundle (CNG), anterior corpus callosum (CC genu), anterior thalamic radiation (ATR), corticospinal tract (CST—which had the strongest finding relating to cluster size), SLF, and UF.…”

“…They found that optimism was positively associated with AD values exclusively in the right hemisphere, and specifically within the anterior cingulum bundle (CNG), anterior corpus callosum (CC genu), anterior thalamic radiation (ATR), corticospinal tract (CST—which had the strongest finding relating to cluster size), SLF, and UF. However, both studies did not directly measure wellbeing, as Vitolo et al ( 2022 ) measured emotion regulation, while Kotikalapudi et al ( 2022 ) assessed personality profiles, that may predict wellbeing; and both studies had mostly or only female samples aged from 18 to 40 years. Further, in a multi-modal study, the associations between gray matter volume, white matter microstructure, and subjective wellbeing in a cohort of 17–65 year old’s was investigated (Jung et al, 2022 ).…”