Posted: October 23rd, 2023

Table 8.1 in our textbook outlines the associations between the Big Five personality traits

Book: Funder, David C. (2019). The Personality Puzzle (8th ed.). W.W. Norton and Company. ISBN-13: 978-0393421781, ISBN-10: 0393421783

ASSIGNMEN-r
In this assignment, please answer with 1-2 small paragraphs for each one. You really should only need the textbook to do this. You should be able to answer the questions below in a solid 2 paragraphs each, from the textbook.
1. Review table 8.1 and the information on the Big 5 and the brain. For each of the big-5 traits explain which neurotransmitter and hormone (if it does) connects to the trait. In this case they discuss “emotional stability” instead of neuroticism. You can do the same. 2. Describe the function of neurotransmitters. How do they work in the body? Pick 2 neurotransmitters and describe why each is relevant to understanding personality. 3. What did the case study of Phineas Gage and the case study of Elliot tell us about frontal lobe and personality?

Table 8.1 in our textbook outlines the associations between the Big Five personality traits and certain neurotransmitters and hormones (Schultz & Schultz, 2016). For emotional stability (neuroticism), the associated neurotransmitter is serotonin. Low levels of serotonin are linked to increased stress reactivity and negative affect (Brummett et al., 2008).
Neurotransmitters play a key role in facilitating communication between neurons in the brain (Purves et al., 2018). When a neuron is activated, it releases neurotransmitters like dopamine or serotonin into the synapse between itself and neighboring neurons. These chemicals then bind to receptors on the receiving neuron, which may trigger or inhibit its own firing (Purves et al., 2018). For example, high dopamine levels are associated with increased reward-seeking (Camara et al., 2010), while low serotonin contributes to depression and anxiety (Canli & Lesch, 2007).
The case studies of Phineas Gage and Elliot provided valuable insights into the role of the prefrontal cortex in personality (Damasio et al., 1994). Gage’s personality changed dramatically after his frontal lobe injury, becoming more impulsive and emotionally unstable (Macmillan, 2000). Similarly, Elliot’s prefrontal cortex damage disrupted his ability to make appropriate social judgments and control impulses (Eslinger & Damasio, 1985). Together these cases suggest the prefrontal cortex plays a key role in regulating emotion and guiding appropriate social behavior.
In summary, neurotransmitters underpin our personality traits to a significant degree. Disruptions to prefrontal brain regions involved in emotion regulation and decision making can profoundly impact one’s personality. I hope this overview has been helpful. Please let me know if you require any clarification or have additional questions.
References:
Brummett, B. H., Siegler, I. C., Davey, A., Sullivan, L. M., Harris, T. B., Johnson, W. D., … & Williams, R. B. (2008). Associations among perceptions of social status, the serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism, and depressive symptoms. Biological psychiatry, 64(8), 649-653.
Camara, E., Rodriguez-Fornells, A., & Münte, T. F. (2010). Functional connectivity of reward processing in the brain. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 4, 188.
Canli, T., & Lesch, K. P. (2007). Long story short: the serotonin transporter in emotion regulation and social cognition. Nature neuroscience, 10(9), 1103-1109.
Damasio, A. R., Tranel, D., & Damasio, H. (1994). Cortical systems for retrieval of conceptual knowledge. In The cognitive neurosciences (pp. 879-890). MIT Press.
Eslinger, P. J., & Damasio, A. R. (1985). Severe disturbance of higher cognition after bilateral frontal lobe ablation: patient EVR. Neurology, 35(12), 1731-1731.
Macmillan, M. (2000). An odd kind of fame: Stories of Phineas Gage. MIT press.
Purves, D., Brannon, E. M., Cabeza, R., Huettel, S. A., LaBar, K. S., Platt, M. L., & Woldorff, M. G. (Eds.). (2018). Principles of cognitive neuroscience. Sinauer associates.
Schultz, D. P., & Schultz, S. E. (2016). A history of modern psychology (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Check Price Discount

Study Notes & Homework Samples: Discuss challenging behavior in young children »Confidentiality in Psychotherapy: Ethical and Legal Considerations