Personality Neuroscience: An Emerging Field With Bright Prospects

Authors

  • Colin G. DeYoung Orcid
    Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minnepolis, MN, USA
  • Roger E. Beaty Orcid
    Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
  • Erhan Genç
    Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
  • Robert D. Latzman Orcid
    Takeda, Cambridge, MA, USA
  • Luca Passamonti Orcid
    Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Institute of Bioimaging and Molecular Physiology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome, Italy
  • Michelle N. Servaas
    Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
  • Alexander J. Shackman Orcid
    Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
  • Luke D. Smillie
    Department of Psychology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
  • R. Nathan Spreng Orcid
    Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
  • Essi Viding Orcid
    Clinical, Educational, and Health Psychology Research Department, University College London, London, United Kingdom
  • Jan Wacker Orcid
    Institute of Psychology, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

Abstract

Personality neuroscience is the study of persistent psychological individual differences, typically in the general population, using neuroscientific methods. It has the potential to shed light on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying individual differences and their manifestation in ongoing behavior and experience. The field was inaugurated many decades ago, yet has only really gained momentum in the last two, as suitable technologies have become widely available. Personality neuroscience employs a broad range of methods, including molecular genetics, pharmacological assays or manipulations, electroencephalography, and various neuroimaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography. Although exciting progress is being made in this young field, much remains unknown. In this brief review, we discuss discoveries that have been made, methodological challenges and advances, and important questions that remain to be answered. We also discuss best practices for personality neuroscience research and promising future directions for the field.