Abstract
Previously published models of frontal activity linked high relative left frontal activity to the behavioral approach system (BAS) and impulsivity. Additionally, these models did not account for BAS facets encompassing the anticipation of reward, i.e., goal-driven persistence (BAS–GDP) and reward interest (BAS–RI), from those that deal with the actual hedonic experience of reward, i.e., reward reactivity (BAS–RR) and impulsivity (BAS–I). Using resting electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings, the source localization (LORETA) method allowed us to calculate the hemispheric asymmetry of the current density within the alpha band (7.5–13 Hz) in ten regions of interest. Compared to low BAS subtrait scorers, high BAS subtrait scorers (except for BAS–I) were correlated with greater relative left-sided activity in the superior frontal gyrus (BA10). Further, an isolated effective coherence (iCOH) analysis of the beta activity (21 Hz) disclosed that high impulsive scorers as compared to low impulsive ones had higher connectivity between the superior frontal gyrus and middle temporal gyrus, which was not compensated for by enhanced inhibitory alpha (11 Hz) connectivity between these regions. For the beta frequency, we also found in highly impulsive individuals that (i) both left and right middle temporal lobes directly influenced the activity of the left and right superior frontal lobes, and (ii) a clear decoupling between left and right superior frontal lobes. These findings could indicate reduced control by the supervisory system in more impulsive individuals.
Highlights
One dominant personality theory, namely the reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST) [1,2], outlines two main temperamental systems used to describe human personality: the behavioral approach system (BAS), alternatively known as the behavioral activation system [3,4], and the behavioral inhibition system (BIS)
It is important to underline that for beta frequency, but not for alpha frequency, we found a clear decoupling between the left and right superior frontal regions in these individuals. It was the left medial temporal lobe (BA21L) and, to a less extent the right one (BA21R), that directly influenced the activity of the left and right superior frontal lobe (BA10L/R; Figure 2b). Both medial temporal lobe regions appeared as major cortical relay stations for beta synchronization in the superior frontal regions
This work demonstrates a significant relationship between left hemisphere alpha asymmetry at the superior frontal gyrus (BA10) and reward-sensitive BAS subtraits, which is in line with previous findings [17,28,30,58], source localization of this relationship revealed its origin as reduced activity in the left frontal pole in low BAS scorers
Summary
Namely the reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST) [1,2], outlines two main temperamental systems used to describe human personality: the behavioral approach system (BAS), alternatively known as the behavioral activation system [3,4], and the behavioral inhibition system (BIS). The BAS is thought to encompass behavioral activation, the approach to goals, and responses to reward signals. The BIS is thought as sensitive to punishment stimuli and to involve behavioral inhibition, withdrawal, and escape from threats [5]. In this theory, a less defined fight–flight system (FFS) is incorporated that accounts for fear. The revised version of the RST (rRST) developed the FFS further into a fight–flight–freeze system (FFFS), the functions of which are clearly distinct from those of BIS. The FFFS controls any type of aversive stimulus, such as fighting threats, frustrative non-rewards, fleeing in active avoidance, Symmetry 2020, 12, 1794; doi:10.3390/sym12111794 www.mdpi.com/journal/symmetry
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
