Reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST) most clearly relates to internalizing disorders. But a weak behavioural inhibition system (BIS as defined by RST) could underlie externalising, in general, and psychopathy in particular (Fowles, 1980). Conventional “rationally derived” RST scales (rRST) are not anchored in neurally defined RST systems (nRST). So, here, we use both rRST and nRST measures to assess psychopathy traits. We operationalised psychopathy via a four-factor model (affective | interpersonal | disinhibition | boldness). We operationalised rRST via the Heym, Ferguson & Lawrence (2008) updated version of Carver and White’s (1994) BIS/BAS scales (BAS | BIS | FFFS). We operationalised nRST (goal inhibition system, GIS; goal repulsion system, GRS) via previously validated (Shadli et al., 2021) rhythmic power in the stop signal task (SST) and (goal approach system, GAS) via previously validated ERPs in the doors task. Initial bivariate correlations of psychopathy factors with rRST scales were as expected. We found no significant associations between psychopathy factors and nRST measures. A series of post hoc exploratory repeated measures ANOVAs guarded against non-linearity between psychopathy and nRST constructs. These found that: (1) Disinhibition traits might be explained (unexpectedly) by increased sensitivity in the GIS (i.e., conflict) and GRS (i.e., repulsion) and decreased sensitivity in the GAS (i.e., attraction). (2) Affective traits might be explained, as expected, by decreased sensitivity in the GIS and GRS. But an unexpected positive association was also found in the alpha frequency range for the GRS. So, nRST systems (particularly GIS) do not explain psychopathy. rRST scales were more aligned with expectations but were explained via their “rational” basis not RST per se. Unlike internalizing, nRST does not appear strongly related to externalising disorders in general and psychopathy in particular. rRST appears distinct from nRST.

In the present paper we present psychometric properties on a Social Dominance scale from items which are embedded in the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales 3.1. In two samples we show that psychometrics of the Social Dominance scale are sufficient and that correlations with scales measuring Panksepp’s primary emotional systems fail to consistently reach statistical significance with the exception of associations with ANGER (moderate effect size), SEEKING and CARE (small effect sizes). No associations with satisfaction with life and only small negative associations with Spirituality could be observed. We concur with Panksepp that Social Dominance is not a primary emotion but is a learned secondary emotion involving several primary emotions. We show evidence that Social Dominance is not the same as ANGER. We also briefly review mammalian (including humans) evidence that supports the view that Social Dominance is learned and also that the ANGER, SEEKING, and CARE primary mammalian emotions contribute to the learning of Social Dominance.

Shame and guilt are similar yet distinct self-conscious emotions that often facilitate the attainment of social goals and motivate behaviors that promote social acceptance. Recent studies have shown that individuals with autism or high autistic traits may tend to exhibit higher shame-proneness and lower guilt-proneness. This study examined whether this profile of self-conscious emotions can be explained by the functional organization of the brain using resting-state fMRI. Autistic traits, shame- and guilt-proneness and whole-brain resting-state fMRI data were measured in 45 neurotypical individuals. Our results revealed that the positive association between autistic traits and shame-proneness was mediated by resting-state functional connectivity between the right frontal pole and several regions among the cortical midline structures, including the precuneus, anterior cingulate and posterior cingulate. Additionally, functional connectivity between the right frontal pole and precuneus was found to mediate the negative association between autistic traits and guilt-proneness. These findings highlight the role of the cortical midline structures as a key neural substrate underlying differential experiences of negative self-conscious emotions among individuals with high autistic traits.

The aim of this study was to investigate the neurochemical differences between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-MRS) in order to explore these disorders at a neurobiological level. In this cross-sectional study, 60 individuals with BPD and 60 individuals with ASPD participated. ¹H-MRS was performed using a Discovery MR 750 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner with a 3.0 Tesla field strength to measure the levels of the metabolites GABA/Cr, N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/Cr, and glutamate (Glu)/Cr in the left anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) of the brain. The findings indicated that concentrations of GABA/Cr and Glu/Cr in the OFC were significantly higher in BPD patients compared to those with ASPD. In the ACC, GABA/Cr levels were elevated and NAA/Cr levels were reduced in the BPD group relative to the ASPD group. No significant differences were observed in Glu/Cr concentrations in the ACC or in NAA/Cr concentrations in the OFC. This study demonstrated significant neurochemical differences between BPD and ASPD in the ACC and OFC regions. These findings may enhance our understanding of the underlying neural mechanisms of these disorders and support the development of more targeted and effective therapeutic approaches.