Explore the Heterogeneity in Gender Identity across Brain Morphology and Personality Traits

Motivation: Understanding how gender identity influences brain structures and personality traits is essential for exploring gender cognition. This study examines its impact on the emotional and cognitive regions of the brain. Goal(s): The aim is to investigate the relationship between gender identity, brain, and personality traits, particularly within the parahippocampal cortex, which is linked to self-identity and emotional regulation. Approach: We analyzed sMRI data from 554 adolescent, using correlation and mediation analysis to assess connections between gender identity, brain morphology, and personality traits. Results: A feminine identity was found to correlate with cortical thinning in the parahippocampal cortex, affecting personality traits like intelligence. Impact: This study enhances our understanding of gender-specific neural mechanisms, potentially guiding gender-sensitive approaches in mental health assessments and interventions.