Assessing the Neural Correlates of Self-Enhancement Bias: A Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Study
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2007
Abstract
Considerable research has focused on overly positive self-perceptions (self-enhancement), and yet little is known about the underlying neural mechanisms. The present study sought to assess the neural correlates of self-enhancement by applying Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to three brain regions. Twelve participants rated their best friend, as well as the self on a set of desirable or undesirable traits while TMS pulses were delivered in a virtual lesion manner. During the baseline condition (Sham TMS), participants produced more desirable and fewer undesirable ratings for themselves as compared to their best friend, showing self-enhancement. Compared to Sham TMS, TMS delivered to the Medial Prefrontal Cortex (MPFC) reduced self-enhancement whereas TMS delivered to the Supplementary Motor Area (SMA) and the precuneus did not. Together, these findings suggest that the MPFC may influence self-enhancement.
DOI
10.1007/s00221-007-0992-2
Montclair State University Digital Commons Citation
Kwan, Virginia S.Y.; Barrios, Veronica; Ganis, Giorgio; Gorman, Jamie; Lange, Claudia; Kumar, Monisha; Shepard, Alejandro; and Keenan, Julian, "Assessing the Neural Correlates of Self-Enhancement Bias: A Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Study" (2007). Department of Biology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works. 102.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/biology-facpubs/102