Key result
Increased left orbitofrontal cortex gray matter volume was associated with reduced anxiety symptoms, a relationship mediated by increased trait optimism in healthy subjects.
Why the study?
Does trait optimism mediate the relationship between orbitofrontal cortex gray matter volume and anxiety in healthy subjects?
Cross-Sectional (n=61)
Does trait optimism mediate the relationship between orbitofrontal cortex gray matter volume and anxiety in healthy subjects?
Increased gray matter volume in the left orbitofrontal cortex protects against anxiety symptoms through increased trait optimism in healthy individuals.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
May support optimism-focused anxiety prevention strategies; hypothesis-generating and requires longitudinal validation before clinical use.
Converging evidence identifies trait optimism and the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) as personality and brain factors influencing anxiety, but the nature of their relationships remains unclear. Here, the mechanisms underlying the protective role of trait optimism and of increased OFC volume against symptoms of anxiety were investigated in 61 healthy subjects, who completed measures of trait optimism and anxiety, and underwent structural scanning using magnetic resonance imaging. First, the OFC gray matter volume (GMV) was associated with increased optimism, which in turn was associated with reduced anxiety. Second, trait optimism mediated the relation between the left OFC volume and anxiety, thus demonstrating that increased GMV in this brain region protects against symptoms of anxiety through increased optimism. These results provide novel evidence about the brain-personality mechanisms protecting against anxiety symptoms in healthy functioning, and identify potential targets for preventive and therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing susceptibility and increasing resilience against emotional disturbances.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Dolcos et al. (2015) conducted a cross-sectional in Anxiety (n=61). Orbitofrontal cortex gray matter volume (exposure) was evaluated on Symptoms of anxiety. Increased left orbitofrontal cortex gray matter volume was associated with reduced anxiety symptoms, a relationship mediated by increased trait optimism in healthy subjects.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: