Dissociation of boldness and disinhibition psychopathic traits in ERN modulation

Abstract

The Error-Related Negativity (ERN) is a negative event-related potential component observed after error commission, while the Correct-Related Negativity (CRN) is elicited by correct responses. The literature that assesses CRN and ERN in psychopathy is still limited and findings are mixed. However, a dimensional probabilistic analysis of psychopathy is promising and might clarify the inconsistent results systematically found in taxonomic models. Grounded on previous research it is hypothesised that impaired ERN and CRN modulation would be specifically related to disinhibition traits (and not boldness). A community sample assessed by Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM) performed the Simon's task during an EEG recording session. Confirming our hypothesis, disinhibition predicted ERN reduced amplitude and increased latency. The lack of endogenous feedback from errors may explain the high incidence of disruptive behaviour in impulsive individuals. An opposite pattern was found for boldness scores, suggesting that enhanced ERN amplitude may explain high social efficiency in boldness traits. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report this main dissociation. CRN was not predicted by psychopathic traits, supporting that ERN and CRN components point to independent processes of behaviour monitoring.