The tridimensional personality questionnaire and the intensity dependence of auditory evoked dipole source activity

The relationship between the tridimensional personality questionnaireʹs (TPQ) dimensions “novelty seeking,” “harm avoidance,” and “reward dependence” and the intensity dependence of the auditory evoked N1/P2-component was investigated in healthy subjects. Using dipole source analysis, evoked activity of the primary auditory cortex (tangential dipole) could be analyzed at least in part separately from that of secondary auditory areas (radial dipole). It was found that the intensity dependence of the tangential dipole was positively correlated to the TPQ dimension “novelty seeking,” but not to “harm avoidance” and “reward dependence.” This is in line with findings concerning similar personality traits like “sensation seeking,” “impulsivity,” or “extroversion.” It is therefore concluded that a strong intensity dependence may characterize subjects with an action-oriented and extroverted personality style. The results are discussed within the concept that a low central serotonergic neurotransmission is underlying both an impulsive personality type and a strong intensity dependence of the tangential dipole.