Extraversion and fronto-posterior EEG spectral power gradient: An independent component analysis

Several studies show that the fronto-posterior EEG spectral power gradient is a stable individual characteristic related to personality. Whether this characteristic is specifically related to agentic extraversion and theta band of frequencies or is associated with a broader set of personality traits and frequency bands is a matter of debate, as well as the specific cortical regions contributing to this effect. To clarify these questions, we used group independent component analysis (ICA) and source localization techniques. Agentic extraversion was associated with higher theta activity in the default mode network's (DMN) posterior hub and lower theta activity in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Regression analyses showed that theta activity predicted agentic extraversion better than other frequency bands and agentic extraversion predicted posterior versus frontal activity better than other personality dimensions. These results are taken to indicate higher tonic activity in OFC and lower activity in DMN in extraverts as compared to introverts.

► Extraversion is associated with higher theta activity in the default mode network. ► Extraversion is associated with lower theta activity in the orbitofrontal cortex. ► Subjective positive emotions show similar pattern of associations. ► These associations are significant in males, but not in females.