Personality Factors Shape Brain Responses to Emotional Stimuli: An EEG Study

Abstract

Background: Limited studies have investigated the brain changes of individuals with different personality traits during emotional stimuli, and electroencephalography (EEG) recordings have often been conducted without considering personality traits. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of five audiovisual emotional stimuli on the brain activity of healthy individuals based on the big five personality factors. Methods: This observational study recruited 62 young participants using random sampling. Initially, the NEO-Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) was administered to the qualified participants to determine their personality factors. Subsequently, EEG was performed in the eyes-open resting state and while watching emotionally stimulating videos that induced sadness, happiness, anger, fear, and an emotionally neutral state. The changes in the absolute power of brain waves relative to the resting state were analyzed. Results: Significant moderate correlations (ranging from 0.41 to 0.60) were observed between brain wave power and personality factors, particularly in men. Multiple regression analysis revealed that personality factors in men accounted for up to 29.1% of the variance in brain wave changes across different regions. The most substantial effect was observed when males watched the fearful video, where the theta band of the frontal area, particularly at the frontal region (Fz) point, was predominantly influenced by personality factors, accounting for a notable 29.1% change. Among these factors, extraversion was found to be the most influential. Conclusions: Changes in brain waves while watching emotional videos in men relate to their personality traits, whereas no such relationship was found in women.