scholarly journals Emotionality vs. Other Biobehavioural Traits: A Look at Neurochemical Biomarkers for Their Differentiation

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina N. Trofimova ◽  
Anastasia A. Gaykalova

This review highlights the differential contributions of multiple neurochemical systems to temperament traits related and those that are unrelated to emotionality, even though these systems have a significant overlap. The difference in neurochemical biomarkers of these traits is analysed from the perspective of the neurochemical model, Functional Ensemble of Temperament (FET) that uses multi-marker and constructivism principles. Special attention is given to a differential contribution of hypothalamic–pituitary hormones and opioid neuropeptides implicated in both emotional and non-emotional regulation. The review highlights the role of the mu-opioid receptor system in dispositional emotional valence and the role of the kappa-opioid system in dispositional perceptual and behavioural alertness. These opioid receptor (OR) systems, microbiota and cytokines are produced in three neuroanatomically distinct complexes in the brain and the body, which all together integrate dispositional emotionality. In contrast, hormones could be seen as neurochemical biomarkers of non-emotional aspects of behavioural regulation related to the construction of behaviour in fast-changing and current situations. As examples of the role of hormones, the review summarised their contribution to temperament traits of Sensation Seeking (SS) and Empathy (EMP), which FET considers as non-emotionality traits related to behavioural orientation. SS is presented here as based on (higher) testosterone (fluctuating), adrenaline and (low) cortisol systems, and EMP, as based on (higher) oxytocin, reciprocally coupled with vasopressin and (lower) testosterone. Due to the involvement of gonadal hormones, there are sex and age differences in these traits that could be explained by evolutionary theory. There are, therefore, specific neurochemical biomarkers differentiating (OR-based) dispositional emotionality and (hormones-based) body’s regulation in fast-changing events. Here we propose to consider dispositional emotionality associated with OR systems as emotionality in a true sense, whereas to consider hormonal ensembles regulating SS and EMP as systems of behavioural orientation and not emotionality.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosalie Sherrell

<p>Deliberate firesetting is an international problem with significant personal and economic cost. Interest in fire has previously been identified as a unique predictor of deliberate firesetting, however little is known about how fire interest interacts with other factors to produce firesetting. This research aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the role of fire interest by exploring how this construct interacts with previous exposure to fire and aspects of self and emotional regulation, and how this relates to firesetting behaviour. Two anonymous online studies were conducted among New Zealand adult community samples: Study 1 examined the relationship between fire interest, previous exposure to fire, emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and sensation seeking (N = 146); Study 2 replicated the first study and explored the relationship between these factors and engagement in deliberate firesetting (N = 149). Results from both studies showed that only previous exposure to fire and sensation seeking were consistently positively correlated with fire interest, however, when other variables were controlled for via multiple regression analysis, the thrill/adventure seeking facet of sensation seeking was the only significant predictor of fire interest. In Study 2, logistic regression showed that only fire interest and impulsivity were significant predictors of deliberate firesetting. Moderation analyses indicated that thrill/adventure seeking moderates the relationship between fire interest and firesetting behaviour, while impulsivity does not. These findings extend previous research and theory by providing an initial understanding of how various factors may influence an individual’s level of fire interest and their engagement in deliberate firesetting. </p>


2008 ◽  
Vol 578 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 177-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew C. Kren ◽  
Victoria L. Haller ◽  
Sandra P. Welch

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosalie Sherrell

<p>Deliberate firesetting is an international problem with significant personal and economic cost. Interest in fire has previously been identified as a unique predictor of deliberate firesetting, however little is known about how fire interest interacts with other factors to produce firesetting. This research aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the role of fire interest by exploring how this construct interacts with previous exposure to fire and aspects of self and emotional regulation, and how this relates to firesetting behaviour. Two anonymous online studies were conducted among New Zealand adult community samples: Study 1 examined the relationship between fire interest, previous exposure to fire, emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and sensation seeking (N = 146); Study 2 replicated the first study and explored the relationship between these factors and engagement in deliberate firesetting (N = 149). Results from both studies showed that only previous exposure to fire and sensation seeking were consistently positively correlated with fire interest, however, when other variables were controlled for via multiple regression analysis, the thrill/adventure seeking facet of sensation seeking was the only significant predictor of fire interest. In Study 2, logistic regression showed that only fire interest and impulsivity were significant predictors of deliberate firesetting. Moderation analyses indicated that thrill/adventure seeking moderates the relationship between fire interest and firesetting behaviour, while impulsivity does not. These findings extend previous research and theory by providing an initial understanding of how various factors may influence an individual’s level of fire interest and their engagement in deliberate firesetting. </p>


2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (7) ◽  
pp. 783-790 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ai Hang ◽  
Yu-jun Wang ◽  
Ling He ◽  
Jing-gen Liu

2014 ◽  
Vol 265 ◽  
pp. 188-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie L. Grella ◽  
Douglas Funk ◽  
Kathy Coen ◽  
Zhaoxia Li ◽  
A.D. Lê

2015 ◽  
Vol 226 (2) ◽  
pp. T101-T122 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R Grattan

The hypothalamic control of prolactin secretion is different from other anterior pituitary hormones, in that it is predominantly inhibitory, by means of dopamine from the tuberoinfundibular dopamine neurons. In addition, prolactin does not have an endocrine target tissue, and therefore lacks the classical feedback pathway to regulate its secretion. Instead, it is regulated by short loop feedback, whereby prolactin itself acts in the brain to stimulate production of dopamine and thereby inhibit its own secretion. Finally, despite its relatively simple name, prolactin has a broad range of functions in the body, in addition to its defining role in promoting lactation. As such, the hypothalamo-prolactin axis has many characteristics that are quite distinct from other hypothalamo-pituitary systems. This review will provide a brief overview of our current understanding of the neuroendocrine control of prolactin secretion, in particular focusing on the plasticity evident in this system, which keeps prolactin secretion at low levels most of the time, but enables extended periods of hyperprolactinemia when necessary for lactation. Key prolactin functions beyond milk production will be discussed, particularly focusing on the role of prolactin in inducing adaptive responses in multiple different systems to facilitate lactation, and the consequences if prolactin action is impaired. A feature of this pleiotropic activity is that functions that may be adaptive in the lactating state might be maladaptive if prolactin levels are elevated inappropriately. Overall, my goal is to give a flavour of both the history and current state of the field of prolactin neuroendocrinology, and identify some exciting new areas of research development.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gloria Pérez de Albéniz Garrote ◽  
Laura Rubio ◽  
Begoña Medina Gómez ◽  
Cristina Buedo-Guirado

Adolescence is the stage of development where the reward and emotional regulation systems are yet to be adjusted and where most excessive behaviors start, like smartphone abuse. In addition, in this evolutionary period adolescents are more susceptible to behavioral changes through specific interventions or educational programs. Thus, it is fundamental to analyze the personality profile of those adolescents showing excessive mobile phone usage to properly approach later prevention strategies. Impulsivity is one of the most repeated variables associated with teenage addictions, although it has been observed that not all impulsive behaviors need to be detrimental. The aim of this study is to analyze how impulsivity affects smartphone addiction directly, but also indirectly, by assessing its association with sensation seeking variables (thrill and adventure seeking, experience seeking, disinhibition, and boredom susceptibility) which are in turn decisive when using these technologies improperly. The sample was made up of 614 adolescents aged 13–18 attending secondary education from Burgos, Spain. Dickman Impulsivity Inventory, Sensation Seeking Scale, and Ad-hoc questionnaire on adolescent self-perception as to smartphone use were applied. Results show that 41.4% of participants admit to abusing smartphones sometimes, while 18.3% admit to abusing them more frequently and 24% to, at least ever, having defined themselves as smartphone addicts. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that gender (female), dysfunctional impulsivity and sensation seeking (disinhibition and thrill and adventure seeking) evidence 15.7% of variance in smartphone abuse. In addition, sensation seeking (thrill and adventure seeking, disinhibition, and boredom susceptibility) were found to mediate the relationship between dysfunctional impulsivity and smartphone abuse. Therefore, dysfunctional impulsivity was directly connected with teenage smartphone abuse, but also had an indirect stronger association through thrill and adventure seeking, disinhibition and boredom susceptibility.


2012 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 228-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Serafini ◽  
Giuseppa Morabito

Dietary polyphenols have been shown to scavenge free radicals, modulating cellular redox transcription factors in different in vitro and ex vivo models. Dietary intervention studies have shown that consumption of plant foods modulates plasma Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant Capacity (NEAC), a biomarker of the endogenous antioxidant network, in human subjects. However, the identification of the molecules responsible for this effect are yet to be obtained and evidences of an antioxidant in vivo action of polyphenols are conflicting. There is a clear discrepancy between polyphenols (PP) concentration in body fluids and the extent of increase of plasma NEAC. The low degree of absorption and the extensive metabolism of PP within the body have raised questions about their contribution to the endogenous antioxidant network. This work will discuss the role of polyphenols from galenic preparation, food extracts, and selected dietary sources as modulators of plasma NEAC in humans.


2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 97-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Smita C. Banerjee ◽  
Kathryn Greene ◽  
Marina Krcmar ◽  
Zhanna Bagdasarov ◽  
Dovile Ruginyte

This study demonstrates the significance of individual difference factors, particularly gender and sensation seeking, in predicting media choice (examined through hypothetical descriptions of films that participants anticipated they would view). This study used a 2 (Positive mood/negative mood) × 2 (High arousal/low arousal) within-subject design with 544 undergraduate students recruited from a large northeastern university in the United States. Results showed that happy films and high arousal films were preferred over sad films and low-arousal films, respectively. In terms of gender differences, female viewers reported a greater preference than male viewers for happy-mood films. Also, male viewers reported a greater preference for high-arousal films compared to female viewers, and female viewers reported a greater preference for low-arousal films compared to male viewers. Finally, high sensation seekers reported a preference for high-arousal films. Implications for research design and importance of exploring media characteristics are discussed.


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