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(https://www.psypost.org/narcissism-test-take-the-narcissistic-personality-inventory-npi-13/) Narcissism test: Take the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI-13)
Nov 12th 2024, 08:00

Narcissism, often seen as a hallmark of modern-day culture, is a personality trait associated with high self-focus, a sense of entitlement, and a drive for admiration. In psychological research, measuring narcissistic traits is essential to understanding their role in various social and personal dynamics.
A prominent tool for this purpose is the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI), which has recently been condensed into a shorter version, the Narcissistic Personality Inventory-13 (NPI-13). Developed by researchers to maintain accuracy while enhancing efficiency, the NPI-13 offers a quick, reliable way to assess narcissism in non-clinical settings.
Understanding Narcissism: Personality Trait vs. Personality Disorder
In psychology, narcissism can be understood in two ways: as a clinical personality disorder and as a trait that exists on a spectrum in the general population.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): NPD is a diagnosable mental health condition characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), an individual must exhibit at least five of the following criteria to be diagnosed with NPD:

A grandiose sense of self-importance.
Preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.
Belief that they are special and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people or institutions.
Requirement for excessive admiration.
A sense of entitlement.
Interpersonally exploitative behavior.
Lack of empathy.
Envy of others or belief that others are envious of them.
Demonstration of arrogant or haughty behaviors or attitudes.

These behaviors must be consistent across various contexts and lead to significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Narcissism as a Personality Trait: Beyond clinical diagnosis, narcissism can also be viewed as a personality trait that varies in intensity among individuals, without necessarily reaching the level of a disorder. Traits associated with narcissism can include aspects like leadership ambition, a craving for attention, selfishness, and feelings of uniqueness. These traits exist on a continuum, allowing researchers to examine different levels of narcissism within the general population.
Unlike Narcissistic Personality Disorder, these traits don’t necessarily interfere with daily functioning or relationships and may even have positive effects in some contexts. Research has shown, for example, that certain aspects of narcissism, like confidence and leadership ambition, can support career advancement and social influence. Leaders or public figures with higher narcissistic traits might exude charisma and assertiveness, which can be beneficial in competitive fields. However, at the extreme end of the continuum, excessive focus on self-image and validation may lead to conflicts in relationships and challenges in work or social settings.
The Narcissistic Personality Inventory: A Tool for Measuring Narcissism
The Narcissistic Personality Inventory, or NPI, was developed in 1979 by psychologists Robert Raskin and Howard Hall as a self-report tool for assessing narcissistic traits among non-clinical individuals. Inspired by criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder in the DSM-III, the NPI was designed to capture narcissistic qualities in the general population rather than in a clinical context.
The original NPI featured 54 items, which were later refined to a 40-item version, making it the most widely used format today. Participants choose between two statements that best describe them, which helps reduce social desirability bias and encourages honest responses. Research has identified several components of narcissism within the NPI, including Authority, Exhibitionism, Superiority, Vanity, Exploitativeness, Entitlement, and Self-Sufficiency. These factors highlight various aspects of narcissistic behavior and provide insight into how these traits influence areas like relationships, leadership, and social interactions.
Why Develop the Narcissistic Personality Inventory-13?
While the original 40-item Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI-40) has been an invaluable tool in psychological research, its length can be limiting in large-scale studies or cases where brief assessments are preferred. Completing 40 items can be time-consuming for respondents and may lead to participant fatigue, especially in studies requiring multiple assessments. Furthermore, using the full NPI-40 requires more resources, including increased data collection and processing time, which can make it less feasible for large or longitudinal studies.
To address these issues, researchers have developed shortened versions of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, such as the Narcissistic Personality Inventory-13 (NPI-13), which maintains key elements of the full version but with fewer questions. By reducing the item count, these shorter versions aim to provide a quicker and less burdensome way to measure narcissistic traits without sacrificing accuracy.
In a study published in 2013 in (https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/a0033192) Psychological Assessment, Brittany Gentile and her colleagues from the University of Georgia confirmed that their new tool maintained strong reliability and validity, meaning the NPI-13 consistently measured what it aimed to measure and produced results in line with established models of narcissism.
Similar to the full NPI, in the NPI-14, participants are presented with pairs of statements for each question, such as “I find it easy to manipulate people” and “I don’t like it when I find myself manipulating people.” For each pair, respondents choose the statement they agree with more. The responses are scored by assigning values to each option, with some items reverse-coded to account for positive and negative trait directions.

Narcissistic Personality Inventory-13
Narcissistic Personality Inventory-13

For each of the following pairs of statements, choose the one that you most agree with.

1.
*

 I find it easy to manipulate people.

 I don’t like it when I find myself manipulating people.

2.
*

 When people compliment me I get embarrassed.

 I know that I am a good person because everybody keeps telling me so.

3.
*

 I like having authority over other people.

 I don’t mind following orders.

4.
*

 I insist upon getting the respect that is due me.

 I usually get the respect I deserve.

5.
*

 I don’t particularly like to show off my body.

 I like to show off my body.

6.
*

 I have a strong will to power.

 Power for its own sake doesn’t interest me.

7.
*

 I expect a great deal from other people.

 I like to do things for other people.

8.
*

 My body is nothing special.

 I like to look at my body.

9.
*

 Being in authority doesn’t mean much to me.

 People always seem to recognize my authority.

10.
*

 I will never be satisfied until I get all that I deserve.

 I will take my satisfactions as they come.

11.
*

 I try not to be a show off.

 I will usually show off if I get the chance

12.
*

 I am a born leader.

 Leadership is a quality that takes a long time to develop.

13.
*

 I like to look at myself in the mirror.

 I am not particularly interested in looking at myself in the mirror.

Submit

If you are human, leave this field blank.				

Disclaimer: The Narcissistic Personality Inventory-13 (NPI-13) is a psychological assessment tool used for research and educational purposes. It is not intended for clinical diagnosis or to replace consultation with a licensed mental health professional. This inventory provides an indication of narcissistic personality traits and should be interpreted within the context of comprehensive psychological assessment. Scores from the NPI-13 should not be used to make definitive judgments about an individual’s mental health or to label behaviors outside a professional context. For concerns about narcissism or other personality-related issues, please consult a qualified mental health practitioner.

(https://www.psypost.org/unlocking-anxietys-roots-distinct-amygdala-cell-types-identified-in-cross-species-research/) Unlocking anxiety’s roots: Distinct amygdala cell types identified in cross-species research
Nov 12th 2024, 06:00

New insights into the brain could pave the way for targeted treatments for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. In a groundbreaking study, scientists at the University of California, Davis, have identified distinct groups of cells within the amygdala, a brain region central to emotional processing. By mapping the cellular and genetic structure of the amygdala in humans and primates, researchers hope to unlock new, cell-specific approaches to mental health treatment. The findings have been published in the (https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.20230602) American Journal of Psychiatry.
The amygdala is a small, almond-shaped structure located deep within the brain’s temporal lobe, playing a central role in processing emotions, particularly fear and stress responses. This part of the brain helps regulate emotional reactions to different stimuli, sending signals that influence how we react to potentially dangerous or threatening situations.
Given its role in emotional processing, the amygdala has been a focus in studies on various mental health conditions, from anxiety and depression to autism spectrum disorders. Researchers have found that dysregulation in amygdala functioning may contribute to these disorders, highlighting its importance in understanding emotional and behavioral health.
Despite its significance, treating amygdala-related disorders has been challenging because this brain region is far more complex than initially understood. The amygdala contains many different cell types, each with distinct functions and gene expression patterns that influence how it responds to various stimuli.
Most prior research has either focused on the amygdala as a single functional unit or relied on animal models to study its cells, often overlooking the cellular differences within specific areas. As a result, treatments targeting the amygdala’s activity have had limited success, potentially because they did not address the specific cell types involved in emotional dysregulation.
This study was motivated by a need to address this complexity and refine our understanding of the amygdala at the cellular level, especially in humans. The researchers aimed to identify and categorize the different cell types within the amygdala, using gene expression patterns to understand how each cell cluster might contribute to emotional and psychological functions.
“Decades of research has implicated the amygdala in many forms of psychopathology and neurodevelopmental disorders. However, large-scale studies have found these associations to be relatively weak, and effective amygdala-focused treatments have remained elusive,” said study author Andrew S. Fox, an associate professor at UC Davis and core scientist in neuroscience & behavior at the California National Primate Research Center.
“At the same time, basic science research in rodents has revealed many different cell types within the amygdala, which can have distinct or even opposing roles in behavior. This cell-type variability can help explain why effective treatments that target the amygdala have been so hard to find. In short, treatments should not target the amygdala; they should target specific cells in the amygdala. In our paper, we explored the cell-type composition of the amygdala in humans and nonhuman primates to help bridge this gap in our understanding.”
A primary tool used in the research was single-nucleus RNA sequencing, a method that enables scientists to examine the activity of thousands of genes within individual cells. This method was selected because it allows a close look at cell diversity.
The study’s sample included six postmortem subjects—three humans and three rhesus monkeys. Rhesus monkeys were chosen because their amygdala structures and gene expressions closely resemble those of humans, making them a valuable model for understanding human brain function. Brain tissue samples were taken from two specific areas within the amygdala: the central amygdala and the ventral lateral amygdala.
These two regions were selected because they have distinct functions and structural compositions, with the central amygdala being primarily composed of inhibitory neurons involved in processing fear and stress responses, and the ventral lateral amygdala containing mainly excitatory neurons that contribute to emotional learning and memory. Using RNA sequencing, researchers could measure which genes were active in these regions and map out the cellular makeup of each part of the amygdala.
After sequencing, the data were processed to identify clusters of cells with similar gene expression profiles. This analysis revealed several distinct cell clusters within each region of the amygdala, highlighting the complexity and diversity of its cellular structure. Each cluster represented a group of cells with shared gene expressions, which are likely linked to specific functions within the amygdala.
In the central amygdala, for instance, the researchers found a higher concentration of inhibitory neurons, which are cells that suppress brain activity, suggesting their role in regulating emotional responses and keeping fear and stress reactions in check. In contrast, the ventral lateral amygdala contained more excitatory neurons, which are cells that stimulate brain activity and are thought to contribute to learning and memory, particularly emotional memories.
“Brain regions like the amygdala are complex,” Fox told PsyPost. “They contain multiple subregions and many distinct cell types. Scientists are beginning to make progress in understanding what cell types are most relevant to mental illness. This understanding has the potential to guide the development of new behavioral and pharmacological treatments that could provide much-needed relief to people who are suffering.”
One notable finding was the identification of a specific cell cluster in the ventral lateral amygdala that showed gene markers commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder. This cell type, unique to the ventral lateral amygdala, suggests that certain cells within this brain region may be involved in neurodevelopmental disorders.
In the central amygdala, another cell cluster was found to express high levels of genes linked to anxiety and depression. This cluster consisted of intercalated cells, which are small groups of neurons that act as gatekeepers for signals within the amygdala. In both humans and macaques, these intercalated cells expressed the FOXP2 gene and other markers like TSHZ1 and were located along the boundaries of the central amygdala. In previous research with rodents, FOXP2-expressing intercalated cells acted as “gatekeepers,” controlling signals entering and exiting the amygdala.
This discovery is significant because it suggests that specific cell types within the amygdala, rather than the whole structure, may provide a biological basis for anxiety and depression. The researchers propose that these intercalated cells could be a promising avenue for treatment development, with their expression of FOXP2 and additional features—such as the expression of Neuropeptide FF Receptor 2 (NPFFR2), a receptor that could be targeted pharmacologically—making them a potential target for precision therapies.
“We were surprised to identify intercalated cells as being particularly important for anxiety,” Fox explained. “Rodent work has identified this small population of intercalated cells to be important for threat processing, but we know very little about these cells in humans and other primates. By focusing on these cell types we were further surprised to find relatively high levels of expression of an understudied receptor for Neuropeptide FF, which could be explored in relation to treating psychopathology.”
While this study is promising, it has limitations. The sample size is small, and the study was limited to male subjects, which may not fully capture sex-based differences in the amygdala’s structure and function. Additionally, while rhesus monkeys are genetically close to humans, differences between species could influence the study’s applicability. Future research could explore these variations in larger and more diverse samples, possibly expanding to female subjects and exploring more brain regions.
“This research is on the cutting edge, and we should be wary of over-interpreting our findings before replicating them,” Fox cautioned. “In addition, there is a tendency for people to focus on finding a single cure for complex disorders—I do not think such a cure exists. Rather, we must appreciate the complexity of the brain and put our efforts toward identifying potential treatments that can help even a small fraction of those suffering. If scientists work together, these treatments can add up to have a huge impact on the lives of people who are suffering across the world.”
Nevertheless, the research opens new pathways for studying brain disorders by providing a clearer map of the amygdala’s cellular structure in both humans and primates. The work sets the foundation for future research to examine the amygdala’s cell types and functions in greater detail.
“The goal of this research is to lay the foundation for a refined understanding of the amygdala that can help bridge the gap between our cellular and molecular understanding of the rodent brain and the human condition,” Fox told PsyPost. “This work reflects an effort to increase our understanding of what the amygdala actually is. Our hope is that this understanding will guide further research in rodents and humans that is aimed at decreasing suffering.”
“We believe that the translational approach outlined in this manuscript represents an important first step in linking cellular and molecular knowledge gleaned from rodent studies to human psychopathology. A major challenge in the coming years will be to incorporate our increasing knowledge of cell types into modern theories of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders.”
The study, “(https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.20230602) Translational Insights From Cell Type Variation Across Amygdala Subnuclei in Rhesus Monkeys and Humans,” was authored by Shawn Kamboj, Erin L. Carlson, Bradley P. Ander, Kari L. Hanson, Karl D. Murray, Julie L. Fudge, Melissa D. Bauman, Cynthia M. Schumann, and Andrew S. Fox.

(https://www.psypost.org/cannabis-and-alcohol-use-patterns-linked-to-couples-relationship-quality/) Cannabis and alcohol use patterns linked to couples’ relationship quality
Nov 11th 2024, 14:00

A recent study published in (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871624013917) Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that heavy cannabis users tend to experience a drop in relationship satisfaction when combining cannabis with alcohol, while alcohol use alone appears to have a positive effect on next-day relationship satisfaction. In contrast, light cannabis users did not show any significant changes in their relationship satisfaction based on their own or their partner’s cannabis and alcohol use. These findings suggest that the way partners use substances can impact the quality of their relationship in measurable ways.
In recent years, cannabis use has become increasingly accepted, with more states in the United States allowing recreational and medical use. This shift in public perception has brought with it a need to understand how cannabis, like alcohol, might affect interpersonal relationships, especially within the context of romantic partnerships.
Previous research has shown that substance use—particularly alcohol—can both strengthen and strain intimate relationships. Light or moderate drinking may reduce stress and support positive social interactions, but heavy or problematic use has been linked to relationship dissatisfaction and even aggression. Research on cannabis use in relationships, however, has been sparse and inconsistent. This study aimed to fill that gap by examining the effects of cannabis use within couples on a daily basis, with a particular focus on how it interacts with alcohol use.
“I’ve always been interested in how our relationships impact our health behaviors. Not only romantic relationships, familial relationships or even friendships all could have profound influences in whether or how often we engage in certain behaviors,” said study author (https://www.colorado.edu/center/cuchange/margy-chen) Margy Yumeng Chen, a PhD student at the University of Colorado Boulder.
“With more and more states legalizing or decriminalizing cannabis use, cannabis use and in particular cannabis and alcohol co-use has become much more common, but the ways they might influence our relationship satisfaction and dynamics are not fully understood. Literature on alcohol use and specifically how it manifests its effects among couples is quite established, but cannabis research needs to catch up with that and consider how those previous findings could change once individuals start using cannabis too.”
“By studying couples’ daily experiences with these substances, I wanted to gain insight into how shared or individual usage patterns might shape relationship well-being. I was also really interested in doing a daily diary study, it gives you very rich and extensive data compared to most cross-sectional design.”
The researchers used a dyadic diary method, meaning both partners in a relationship kept individual records over the course of 14 days. This method allowed the study to capture daily fluctuations in cannabis and alcohol use and relationship satisfaction.
The participants included 33 couples, with a majority identifying as heterosexual. For this study, the researchers classified couples as either “concordant” or “discordant” in their substance use patterns. Concordant couples used cannabis on the same days, or neither used it, while discordant couples had different use patterns, with only one partner using cannabis or both partners using it on different days.
Participants completed a 60-minute baseline survey before starting the daily tracking. This initial survey gathered demographic details, relationship satisfaction, and information on the frequency and intensity of cannabis and alcohol use, as well as mental health indicators. During the two-week study period, each partner filled out a daily report tracking whether they had used cannabis or alcohol the day before and how satisfied they felt with their relationship. The researchers also measured relationship satisfaction daily using a simple question on a five-point scale.
For individuals who use cannabis more heavily, the combination of cannabis and alcohol in a single day was associated with a decrease in their relationship satisfaction the following day. In contrast, alcohol-only use was linked to increased satisfaction the next day for these same individuals and their partners.
“Our study sampled mostly couples discordant in cannabis use levels, meaning that one partner tends to use more than the other, or only one of them uses and the other doesn’t use cannabis at all,” Chen told PsyPost. “I found it very surprising that for the partner using cannabis more heavily in a couple, using alcohol alone on one day increased their own next-day relationship satisfaction, but using both alcohol and cannabis on one day may lead to lower relationship satisfaction for them on the next day. I don’t know exactly how to explain this finding, but there are many previous studies that have shown co-use is often more problematic and associated with more negative consequences compared to using one substance alone.”
Interestingly, this effect was not seen in individuals with lighter cannabis use. For these participants, neither cannabis use alone nor combined use of cannabis and alcohol had a significant impact on their relationship satisfaction. This absence of effect in lighter users suggests that the frequency and intensity of cannabis use may be key factors in how these substances impact relationship dynamics.
“The main takeaway for the average reader is that substance use within couples isn’t just about personal choices—it affects daily relationship dynamics as well,” Chen said. “This suggests that the way partners interact with alcohol and cannabis isn’t just a personal experience; it has real, measurable effects on relationship quality. These findings encourage couples to consider how specific substance use patterns may impact their daily interactions and overall relationship health.”
As with any study, this research has limitations. One limitation is that the sample was relatively homogeneous, consisting mostly of white participants between the ages of 30 and 40 who were in committed, long-term relationships. Because of this, the findings may not apply as well to couples of other ages, races, or relationship stages, such as new or casual partners.
“While daily patterns can give us insights into short-term effects, these findings don’t necessarily predict long-term relationship outcomes,” Chen noted. “Also, our sample mostly consisted of couples with discordant cannabis use patterns, so we probably didn’t have enough variance to investigate the question of concordance.”
“I hope to explore how specific motives for using substances, such as coping with stress or enhancing intimacy, play into relationship outcomes. Understanding these nuances could help in creating more tailored interventions for couples looking to improve their relationship quality while navigating substance use.”
“This research is part of a broader interest in how daily routines and lifestyle factors contribute to relationship health,” Chen added. “I hope it helps people understand that, just as with other shared activities, it’s not just what you do but how you do it together that can strengthen or harm a relationship.”
The study, “(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.112466) Dyadic cannabis use, alcohol use and relationship satisfaction: A daily diary study,” was authored by Margy Y. Chen, Tiffany A. Ito, and Angela D. Bryan.

(https://www.psypost.org/youtubes-role-in-shaping-autism-perceptions-explored-in-new-study/) YouTube’s role in shaping autism perceptions explored in new study
Nov 11th 2024, 12:00

A recent study published in the (https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/4/3246) International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health suggests that YouTube plays a crucial role in shaping public perception of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Analysis of the content and comments of ASD-related YouTube videos uncovered both positive and negative influences on public understanding.
ASD is a common neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication challenges and repetitive behaviors. Despite its prevalence, ASD is often misunderstood, leading to stigma and misconceptions. Social media platforms, particularly YouTube, have become powerful tools for disseminating information and shaping public opinion about ASD.
Led by Schwab Bakombo from the University of Ottawa, the research team aimed to explore how ASD is portrayed on YouTube and how viewers perceive this content. They conducted a comprehensive content analysis of YouTube videos and comments from 2019 and 2022. The study focused on identifying prevalent themes, sentiments, and instances of stigmatization in the videos and comments.
To gather data, Bakombo and colleagues searched YouTube using keywords related to ASD, including “autism, autism spectrum disorder, autistic disorder, autistic behavior, and Asperger’s”. In 2019, they analyzed 50 videos and 500 comments, while in 2022, they examined 9 videos and 180 comments. The videos were categorized based on their themes, such as providing educational information, discussing personal experiences, and displaying daily life. Comments were analyzed for sentiment and categorized into themes and subthemes.
The study found that the dominant theme in the videos was providing educational information about ASD (57.2% of videos). These videos aimed to educate viewers about the characteristics, diagnosis, and interventions related to ASD, and most of the videos were not specific to any sex or gender (32.6% of videos).
Personal experiences and daily life activities were also common themes, with individuals sharing their stories and showcasing their routines. Additionally, majority of the video comments were of anecdotal nature, with commenters describing experiences of their own lives or of a significant other.
Interestingly, the majority of the videos had mixed sentiments, presenting both positive and negative aspects of ASD. This balanced approach provided viewers with a more dynamic understanding of the condition. However, the comments on these videos were predominantly negative.
One significant finding was the minimal use of damaging language (such as referring to people with autism as “suffering”) and stigmatization in the videos and comments. Only a small percentage of the content used non-person-first language or perpetuated harmful stereotypes. This indicates a positive trend towards more respectful and accurate representations of ASD on YouTube.
Some limitations should be noted. The sample size was limited to English-language videos with a significant number of comments, which may not fully represent the global perspective on ASD. Additionally, the reliance on YouTube’s relevance sorting algorithm could introduce bias in video selection.
The authors noted the need for future work – “the results of this study lend themselves well to expansion by integrating and potentially comparing videos from multiple countries on various video sharing sites, by systematically reviewing pre- and post-pandemic videos, and conducting a step-by-step comparison.”
The study, “(https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/4/3246) The Influence of Social Media on the Perception of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Content Analysis of Public Discourse on YouTube Videos,” was authored by Schwab Bakombo, Paulette Ewalefo, and Anne T. M. Konkle.

(https://www.psypost.org/scientists-detect-alterations-in-brain-region-associated-with-rumination-in-depression/) Scientists detect alterations in brain region associated with rumination in depression
Nov 11th 2024, 10:00

A recent study in (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925492724001343) Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging sheds new light on the brain’s role in rumination, a mental pattern often linked to depression. Researchers found that people who tend to ruminate have structural differences in a region of the brain called the precuneus, which seems closely tied to other brain areas involved in memory, self-focus, and attention. These findings suggest that rumination in depression may stem from how various brain networks interact rather than isolated brain regions.
Depression can vary widely in its effects, but many people with depression experience rumination—repetitive, self-focused thoughts on negative experiences, which can worsen the condition. Since previous research linked certain brain regions with depression-related symptoms, this study aimed to clarify which brain areas might be specifically associated with rumination. Understanding these relationships could help develop more targeted treatments for depression, particularly for individuals who experience severe or prolonged rumination.
“Most people are probably familiar with rumination. It’s where you get stuck, so to speak, continually thinking about the same thoughts, most often about unhappy memories or situations,” said study author Niall W. Duncan, an associate professor at Taipei Medical University’s (https://gimbc.tmu.edu.tw/) Institute of Mind, Brain and Consciousness. “This type of negative thinking is a common symptom of depression, so understanding why this happens is important. If we can understand what causes people to have these repetitive thought patterns then hopefully we can find ways to help them stop.”
The researchers collected data from a group of individuals with major depressive disorder (32 participants) and compared it with a group of healthy controls (69 participants). To ensure that brain structure differences were accurately captured, all participants underwent detailed brain scans using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which produces high-resolution images of brain structures, particularly the grey matter. Grey matter consists mainly of neurons and is often associated with various cognitive functions, including memory, perception, and self-reflection. Additionally, participants completed a questionnaire assessing rumination tendencies, providing a quantifiable measure of how much they focused on repetitive, negative thoughts.
The analysis involved comparing the grey matter volume in both groups to identify any differences associated with depression. More specifically, the study used surface-based, whole-brain analysis to examine grey matter across the entire cortex, focusing on cortical surface area and thickness. This approach allowed researchers to see if there were regions in the brain where people with depression showed different structural patterns compared to the control group. The key areas of interest included brain regions previously associated with self-referential thinking and executive function, as these cognitive processes are thought to play a role in rumination.
The study’s findings were somewhat unexpected. While the researchers observed that individuals with depression had increased grey matter volume in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, this area did not show a connection to rumination.
“Going into the research, we expected to see differences in the grey matter in the lateral frontal brain and that this change in grey matter would be linked to the rumination people reported,” Duncan told PsyPost. “We did see the grey matter changes expected but these were not linked to the rumination. Instead, it was a region in the back of the brain that was connected to the rumination. This was unexpected but made more sense when we looked at how these different parts of the brain are connected with each other.”
Rumination was found to correlate with structural properties in the right precuneus, which is part of the default mode network, a set of interconnected brain regions active when people are introspective, imagining, or processing memories. The analysis showed that participants who reported higher levels of rumination tended to have a lower surface area in the right precuneus, suggesting that this brain area might play a specific role in fostering the repetitive thought patterns associated with rumination.
To further explore this link, the researchers conducted a functional connectivity analysis using data from an independent sample of 100 individuals. This analysis revealed that the precuneus is highly connected with other brain networks involved in executive function, autobiographical memory, and visual processing. This connectivity pattern includes links to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, indicating that structural changes in one area (such as the precuneus) may influence other connected regions.
The implication here is that rumination may result from a network-level interaction, where specific structural changes in the precuneus have downstream effects on related brain areas, leading to repetitive self-reflective thought patterns. This supports a broader theory that depression symptoms may emerge not from isolated regions in the brain but from the ways different brain regions interact as networks.
“Our findings fit in with a general shift in how we think about the brain,” Duncan explained. “It has been common to think of the brain as having specific regions that do one specific thing – the idea of a region ‘for’ something. While there is truth to this, it is probably better to think of the brain as a complete system where all the parts need to work together.”
“What we see is that the rumination symptoms in the people we studied appear to be connected to one part of the brain that is well connected to lots of other ones. This might mean that the symptoms come from the system as a whole being put out of balance. That’s a tentative conclusion though that needs more investigation.”
But the study, like all research, includes some caveats.
“It’s important to note that the people we were looking at were all older and had had depression for quite a long time,” Duncan explained. “They were also almost all taking medication for their depression. These factors mean that what we found might not apply to people who have only recently developed depression. It may also be the case that what we observe is a consequence of the medication that people are taking, rather than of the depression directly. Finally, our participant group was relatively small so we’d definitely want to see the results replicated in other, larger, samples.”
Future studies might explore how rumination-related brain networks develop over time and whether early intervention could prevent structural brain changes in those with depression.
“We continue to look at the processes in the brain that are connected to rumination,” Duncan said. “This is the current main focus of the co-leader of the research, Dr Tsu-Yu Hsu. She is working on how rumination may be linked to differences in how people process mental contents that are related to themselves. This would make sense, since rumination is generally an issue where people have repetitive self-related thoughts.”
The study, “(https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pscychresns.2024.111911) Structural alterations in a rumination-related network in patients with major depressive disorder,” was authored by Paul Z. Cheng, Hsin-Chien Lee, Timothy J. Lane, Tzu-Yu Hsu, and Niall W. Duncan.

Forwarded by:
Michael Reeder LCPC
Baltimore, MD

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