1
|
Cartier L, Guérin M, Saulnier F, Cotocea I, Mohammedi A, Moussaoui F, Kheloui S, Juster RP. Sex and gender correlates of sexually polymorphic cognition. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:3. [PMID: 38191503 PMCID: PMC10773055 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00579-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually polymorphic cognition (SPC) results from the interaction between biological (birth-assigned sex (BAS), sex hormones) and socio-cultural (gender identity, gender roles, sexual orientation) factors. The literature remains quite mixed regarding the magnitude of the effects of these variables. This project used a battery of classic cognitive tests designed to assess the influence of sex hormones on cognitive performance. At the same time, we aimed to assess the inter-related and respective effects that BAS, sex hormones, and gender-related factors have on SPC. METHODS We recruited 222 adults who completed eight cognitive tasks that assessed a variety of cognitive domains during a 150-min session. Subgroups were separated based on gender identity and sexual orientation and recruited as follows: cisgender heterosexual men (n = 46), cisgender non-heterosexual men (n = 36), cisgender heterosexual women (n = 36), cisgender non-heterosexual women (n = 38), gender diverse (n = 66). Saliva samples were collected before, during, and after the test to assess testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone. Psychosocial variables were derived from self-report questionnaires. RESULTS Cognitive performance reflects sex and gender differences that are partially consistent with the literature. Interestingly, biological factors seem to better explain differences in male-typed cognitive tasks (i.e., spatial), while psychosocial factors seem to better explain differences in female-typed cognitive tasks (i.e., verbal). CONCLUSION Our results establish a better comprehension of SPC over and above the effects of BAS as a binary variable. We highlight the importance of treating sex as a biological factor and gender as a socio-cultural factor together since they collectively influence SPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis Cartier
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mina Guérin
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Fanny Saulnier
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ioana Cotocea
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
| | - Amine Mohammedi
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Fadila Moussaoui
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah Kheloui
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Robert-Paul Juster
- Center on Sex*Gender, Allostasis, and Resilience, Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, 7331, Rue Hochelaga, Montreal, QC, H1N 3V2, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Exploring the sex and gender correlates of cognitive sex differences. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2021; 221:103452. [PMID: 34801881 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2021.103452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The correlates of cognitive sex differences are yet to be fully understood. Many biological and psychosocial factors modulate these cognitive abilities leading to mixed results in the scientific literature. The current study aims to explore the different parameters potentially influencing cognitive abilities acting in synergy. Sex and gender correlates of cognitive functioning were assessed in a sample of individuals ages 18 to 45 years (N = 87) from diverse sexual orientations. Sex hormones were assessed via saliva samples at four timepoints throughout the testing. Gender roles, sexual orientation and socio-demographics were measured via self-report questionnaires. Participants completed mental rotation and verbal fluency tasks. Men performed better than women at mental rotation, while no significant difference was found for verbal fluency. Significant positive associations were observed between estradiol and word fluency for the naturally cycling women compared to the women using oral contraception. While controlling for sex hormones, a significant interaction effect of sex by gender roles was identified for mental rotation among masculine women. These exploratory results suggest an effect principally driven by sex and sex hormones on cognitive performance that will need to be furthered with larger studies.
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang Z, Hu JB, Ji GJ, Xu DR, Wang DD, Xi CX, Hu CC, Lu J, Du YL, Lu QQ, Huang TT, Lai JB, Chen JK, Zhou WH, Wei N, Xu Y, Wang K, Hu SH. Executive function and its relation to anatomical connectome in homosexual and heterosexual men. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2020; 10:1973-1983. [PMID: 33014729 DOI: 10.21037/qims-19-821b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Sexual orientation has been suggested to affect executive function, of which the neurobiological basis is still largely unknown. In this study, we explored the interrelationship between neuropsychological characteristics in homosexual and heterosexual men and their anatomical connectome by graph theoretical analysis. Methods Fifty-three homosexual and 47 heterosexual males underwent diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neuropsychological assessments. Whole-brain anatomical networks were constructed using white matter tractography, performed on the diffusion tensor imaging data. Neuropsychological tests included the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), the Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and the Trail-Making Test (TMT). Results The cognitive performance of homosexual men was significantly poorer than their heterosexual counterparts in terms of WCST total correct responses. Anatomical connectome analysis revealed a lower (P=0.001) anatomical connectivity between left PoCG and left SMG (P=0.003) in homosexual men as compared to heterosexual men. Linear regression analyses showed that the WCST total correct responses score was significantly linked with sexual orientation (P=0.001). The anatomical connectivity strength between left PoCG and left SMG was also shown to be significantly correlated with sexual orientation (P=0.039) and education (P=0.047). Conclusions Our study demonstrated the differences in the performance of WCST and anatomical connectome of large-scale brain networks between homosexual and heterosexual men, extending our understanding of the brain's circuitry and the characteristics of executive function in men of different sexual orientation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Bo Hu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gong Jun Ji
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuropsychology, Department of Medical Psychology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dong Rong Xu
- Epidemiology Division & MRI Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University & New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dan Dan Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cai Xi Xi
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chan Chan Hu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Li Du
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiao Qiao Lu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Jian Bo Lai
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Kai Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Hua Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ning Wei
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuropsychology, Department of Medical Psychology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shao Hua Hu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang D, Han L, Xi C, Xu Y, Lai J, Lu S, Huang M, Hu J, Wei N, Xu W, Zhou W, Lu Q, He H, Hu S. Interactive effects of gender and sexual orientation on cortical thickness, surface area and gray matter volume: a structural brain MRI study. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2020; 10:835-846. [PMID: 32355647 DOI: 10.21037/qims.2020.03.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Background Testosterone is thought to play a crucial role in sexual differentiation of the brain, and sexual orientation is programmed into our brain structures even when we are still fetuses. Although gender and sexual orientation differences have been shown respectively in many brain structures, the mechanism underlying the sexual differentiation of the brain is still unknown. The study is to investigate the interactive effects of gender and sexual orientation on cerebral structures in homosexual and heterosexual people. Methods Sexual orientation was evaluated by the Kinsey scale. We collected structural magnetic resonance image (MRI) data of local cortical thickness, surface area, and gray matter volume in all the subjects (29 homosexual and 29 heterosexual men, 17 homosexual and 17 heterosexual women). Statistical maps were generated using a general linear model (GLM) using FreeSurfer's Query, Design, Estimate, Contrast (QDEC) interface. We had sexual orientation and gender as 2 discrete factors with 2 levels, allowing for the generation of the interaction between sexual orientation and gender: homosexual women and heterosexual men versus heterosexual women and homosexual men. Coordinates were in Talairach space. All the cluster sizes were calculated with a P value of 0.01. Results Results revealed interactions concerning the area and gray matter volume between the factors of sexual orientation and gender. Regarding the thickness, an interaction was not found in any regions of the clusters. Regarding the area, an interaction was found in region of left middle temporal lobe, inferior temporal lobe, lateral occipital lobe, fusiform [(-58.1, -38.6, -14.7), maximum vertex-wise (MV) log10(P) =3.30, cluster size (CS) =1,286.90 mm2], and left rostral middle frontal lobe, pars opercularis, caudal middle frontal lobe [(-37.3, 23.6, 24.8), MV log10(P) =2.92, CS =1,194.40 mm2]. Regarding the gray matter volume, an interaction was found in the region of the left pars opercularis (inferior frontal gyrus) [(-42.9, 6.3, 18.5), MV log10(P) =1.31, CS =526.79 mm2]. Conclusions The present study extends our understandings of how structural features differ in homosexual men, heterosexual men, homosexual women, and heterosexual women. Furthermore, it highlights the interactions between sexual orientation and gender in the left inferior frontal gyrus, bilateral temporal lobe, and the right rostral anterior cingulate cortex, which are suggested to play a critical role in the sexual differentiation of the human brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Lu Han
- Center for Brain Imaging Science and Technology, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrumental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Caixi Xi
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jianbo Lai
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Shaojia Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Manli Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jianbo Hu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Ning Wei
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Weijuan Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Weihua Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Hongjian He
- Center for Brain Imaging Science and Technology, Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrumental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Shaohua Hu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Xu Y, Norton S, Rahman Q. Sexual Orientation and Cognitive Ability: A Multivariate Meta-Analytic Follow-Up. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:413-420. [PMID: 31975035 PMCID: PMC7031189 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01632-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A cross-sex shift model of human sexual orientation differences predicts that homosexual men should perform or score in the direction of heterosexual women, and homosexual women in the direction of heterosexual men, in behavioral domains such as cognition and personality. In order to test whether homosexual men and women's cognitive performance was closer to that of heterosexual men or that of heterosexual women (i.e., sex-atypical for their sex and closer to that of the opposite-sex), we conducted a multivariate meta-analysis based on data from our previous meta-analysis (Xu, Norton, & Rahman, 2017). A subset of this data was used and comprised 30 articles (and 2 unpublished datasets) and 244,434 participants. The multivariate meta-analysis revealed that homosexual men were sex-atypical in mental rotation (Hedges' g = -0.36) and the water level test (Hedges' g = -0.55). In mental rotation, homosexual men were in-between heterosexual men and women. There was no significant group difference on spatial location memory. Homosexual men were also sex-atypical on male-favoring spatial-related tasks (Hedges' g = -0.54), and female-favoring spatial-related tasks (Hedges' g = 0.38). Homosexual women tended to be sex-typical (similar to heterosexual women). There were no significant group differences on male-favoring "other" tasks or female-favoring verbal-related tasks. Heterosexual men and women differed significantly on female-favoring "other" tasks. These results support the cross-sex shift hypothesis which predicts that homosexual men perform in the direction of heterosexual women in sex differentiated cognitive domains. However, the type of task and cognitive domain tested is critical.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yin Xu
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 5th Floor Bermondsey Wing, Guys Hospital Campus, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Sam Norton
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 5th Floor Bermondsey Wing, Guys Hospital Campus, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Qazi Rahman
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 5th Floor Bermondsey Wing, Guys Hospital Campus, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Correro AN, Nielson KA. A Review of Minority Stress as a Risk Factor for Cognitive Decline in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Elders. JOURNAL OF GAY & LESBIAN MENTAL HEALTH 2019; 24:2-19. [PMID: 33014237 DOI: 10.1080/19359705.2019.1644570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults comprise a unique and growing subset of the aging population. The historical context in which they came of age was imbued with victimization and discrimination. These experiences are subjectively stressful and collectively known as minority stress. Older LGBT adults continue to face stressors related to their gender and sexual identities in their daily lives. Importantly, chronic minority stress (CMS), like other forms of chronic stress, is harmful to health and well-being. CMS contributes to LGBT health disparities, including cardiovascular disease and depression, conditions that in turn increase risk for premature cognitive decline. Furthermore, long-term exposure to stress hormones is associated with accelerated brain aging. Yet, the cognitive functioning of LGBT elders and the influence of CMS on their cognition is all but unexplored. In this review, we examine the influences of CMS in LGBT elders and connect those influences to existing research on stress and cognitive aging. We propose a testable model describing how CMS in LGBT elders heightens risk for premature cognitive aging and how ameliorating factors may help protect from CMS risk. Research is desperately needed to calibrate this model toward improving LGBT quality of life and mental health practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristy A Nielson
- Department of Psychology, Marquette University.,Department of Neurology and the Center for Imaging Research, Medical College of Wisconsin
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Reggente N, Essoe JKY, Baek HY, Rissman J. The Method of Loci in Virtual Reality: Explicit Binding of Objects to Spatial Contexts Enhances Subsequent Memory Recall. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s41465-019-00141-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
8
|
Xu Y, Norton S, Rahman Q. Sexual orientation and neurocognitive ability: A meta-analysis in men and women. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 83:691-696. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
9
|
Rahman Q, Sharp J, McVeigh M, Ho ML. Sexual Orientation-Related Differences in Virtual Spatial Navigation and Spatial Search Strategies. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2017; 46:1279-1294. [PMID: 28401317 PMCID: PMC5487905 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-017-0986-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Spatial abilities are generally hypothesized to differ between men and women, and people with different sexual orientations. According to the cross-sex shift hypothesis, gay men are hypothesized to perform in the direction of heterosexual women and lesbian women in the direction of heterosexual men on cognitive tests. This study investigated sexual orientation differences in spatial navigation and strategy during a virtual Morris water maze task (VMWM). Forty-four heterosexual men, 43 heterosexual women, 39 gay men, and 34 lesbian/bisexual women (aged 18-54 years) navigated a desktop VMWM and completed measures of intelligence, handedness, and childhood gender nonconformity (CGN). We quantified spatial learning (hidden platform trials), probe trial performance, and cued navigation (visible platform trials). Spatial strategies during hidden and probe trials were classified into visual scanning, landmark use, thigmotaxis/circling, and enfilading. In general, heterosexual men scored better than women and gay men on some spatial learning and probe trial measures and used more visual scan strategies. However, some differences disappeared after controlling for age and estimated IQ (e.g., in visual scanning heterosexual men differed from women but not gay men). Heterosexual women did not differ from lesbian/bisexual women. For both sexes, visual scanning predicted probe trial performance. More feminine CGN scores were associated with lower performance among men and greater performance among women on specific spatial learning or probe trial measures. These results provide mixed evidence for the cross-sex shift hypothesis of sexual orientation-related differences in spatial cognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qazi Rahman
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, Guy's Hospital Campus, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
| | - Jonathan Sharp
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, Guy's Hospital Campus, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Meadhbh McVeigh
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, Guy's Hospital Campus, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Man-Ling Ho
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, Guy's Hospital Campus, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhen Z, Kong X, Huang L, Yang Z, Wang X, Hao X, Huang T, Song Y, Liu J. Quantifying the variability of scene-selective regions: Interindividual, interhemispheric, and sex differences. Hum Brain Mapp 2017; 38:2260-2275. [PMID: 28117508 PMCID: PMC6866930 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Scene-selective regions (SSRs), including the parahippocampal place area (PPA), retrosplenial cortex (RSC), and transverse occipital sulcus (TOS), are among the most widely characterized functional regions in the human brain. However, previous studies have mostly focused on the commonality within each SSR, providing little information on different aspects of their variability. In a large group of healthy adults (N = 202), we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate different aspects of topographical and functional variability within SSRs, including interindividual, interhemispheric, and sex differences. First, the PPA, RSC, and TOS were delineated manually for each individual. We then demonstrated that SSRs showed substantial interindividual variability in both spatial topography and functional selectivity. We further identified consistent interhemispheric differences in the spatial topography of all three SSRs, but distinct interhemispheric differences in scene selectivity. Moreover, we found that all three SSRs showed stronger scene selectivity in men than in women. In summary, our work thoroughly characterized the interindividual, interhemispheric, and sex variability of the SSRs and invites future work on the origin and functional significance of these variabilities. Additionally, we constructed the first probabilistic atlases for the SSRs, which provide the detailed anatomical reference for further investigations of the scene network. Hum Brain Mapp 38:2260-2275, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zonglei Zhen
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchBeijing Normal UniversityBeijing100875China
| | - Xiang‐Zhen Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchBeijing Normal UniversityBeijing100875China
| | - Lijie Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchBeijing Normal UniversityBeijing100875China
| | - Zetian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchBeijing Normal UniversityBeijing100875China
| | - Xu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchBeijing Normal UniversityBeijing100875China
| | - Xin Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchBeijing Normal UniversityBeijing100875China
| | - Taicheng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchBeijing Normal UniversityBeijing100875China
| | - Yiying Song
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchBeijing Normal UniversityBeijing100875China
| | - Jia Liu
- School of PsychologyBeijing Normal UniversityBeijing100875China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kishida M, Rahman Q. Fraternal Birth Order and Extreme Right-Handedness as Predictors of Sexual Orientation and Gender Nonconformity in Men. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2015; 44:1493-1501. [PMID: 25663238 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-014-0474-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The present study explored whether there were relationships between number of older brothers, handedness, recalled childhood gender nonconformity (CGN), and sexual orientation in men. We used data from previous British studies conducted in our laboratory (N = 1,011 heterosexual men and 921 gay men). These men had completed measures of demographic variables, number and sex of siblings, CGN, and the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory. The results did not replicate the fraternal birth order effect. However, gay men had fewer "other siblings" than heterosexual men (even after controlling for the stopping-rule and family size). In a sub-sample (425 gay men and 478 heterosexual men) with data available on both sibling sex composition and handedness scores, gay men were found to show a significantly greater likelihood of extreme right-handedness and non-right-handedness compared to heterosexual men. There were no significant effects of sibling sex composition in this sub-sample. In a further sub-sample (N = 487) with data available on sibling sex composition, handedness, and CGN, we found that men with feminine scores on CGN were more extremely right-handed and had fewer other-siblings compared to masculine scoring men. Mediation analysis revealed that handedness was associated with sexual orientation directly and also indirectly through the mediating factor of CGN. We were unable to replicate the fraternal birth order effect in our archived dataset but there was evidence for a relationship among handedness, sexual orientation, and CGN. These data help narrow down the number of possible neurodevelopmental pathways leading to variations in male sexual orientation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Kishida
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, 5th Floor, Bermondsey Wing, Guy's Hospital Campus, London, SE1 9RT, UK,
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nowak NT, Diamond MP, Land SJ, Moffat SD. Contributions of sex, testosterone, and androgen receptor CAG repeat number to virtual Morris water maze performance. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2014; 41:13-22. [PMID: 24495604 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Revised: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The possibility that androgens contribute to the male advantage typically found on measures of spatial cognition has been investigated using a variety of approaches. To date, evidence to support the notion that androgens affect spatial cognition in healthy young adults is somewhat equivocal. The present study sought to clarify the association between testosterone (T) and spatial performance by extending measurements of androgenicity to include both measures of circulating T as well as an androgen receptor-specific genetic marker. The aims of this study were to assess the contributions of sex, T, and androgen receptor CAG repeat number (CAGr) on virtual Morris water task (vMWT) performance in a group of healthy young men and women. The hypothesis that men would outperform women on vMWT outcomes was supported. Results indicate that CAGr may interact with T to impact navigation performance and suggest that consideration of androgen receptor sensitivity is an important consideration in evaluating hormone-behavior relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole T Nowak
- University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, Department of Psychology, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
| | - Michael P Diamond
- Georgia Regents University, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Susan J Land
- Wayne State University, Wayne State Applied Genomics Technology Center, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Scott D Moffat
- Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Psychology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Burriss RP, Marcinkowska UM, Lyons MT. Gaze properties of women judging the attractiveness of masculine and feminine male faces. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGY 2014; 12:19-35. [PMID: 24401278 PMCID: PMC10426981 DOI: 10.1556/jep.12.2014.1.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Most studies of female facial masculinity preference have relied upon self-reported preference, with participants selecting or rating the attractiveness of faces that differ in masculinity. However, researchers have not established a consensus as to whether women's general preference is for male faces that are masculine or feminine, and several studies have indicated that women prefer neither. We investigated women's preferences for male facial masculinity using standard two-alternative forced choice (2AFC) preference trials, paired with eye tracking measures, to determine whether conscious and non-conscious measures of preference yield similar results. We found that women expressed a preference for, gazed longer at, and fixated more frequently on feminized male faces. We also found effects of relationship status, relationship context (whether faced are judged for attractiveness as a long- or short-term partner), and hormonal contraceptive use. These results support previous findings that women express a preference for feminized over masculinized male faces, demonstrate that non-conscious measures of preference for this trait echo consciously expressed preferences, and suggest that certain aspects of the preference decision-making process may be better captured by eye tracking than by 2AFC preference trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert P. Burriss
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Minna T. Lyons
- Department of Psychology, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mikhailova E, Slavutskaya A, Gerasimenko N. Gender differences in the recognition of spatially transformed figures: Behavioral data and event-related potentials (ERPs). Neurosci Lett 2012; 524:74-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2012.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2011] [Revised: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
15
|
Abstract
Whether homosexuality should be described as one among many paraphilic sexual interests or an altogether different dimension of sexual interest has long been discussed in terms of its political and social implications. The present article examined the question instead by comparing the major correlates and other features of homosexuality and of the paraphilias, including prevalence, sex ratio, onset and course, fraternal birth order, physical height, handedness, IQ and cognitive neuropsychological profile, and neuroanatomy. Although those literatures remain underdeveloped, the existing findings thus far suggest that homosexuality has a pattern of correlates largely, but not entirely, distinct from that identified among the paraphilias. At least, if homosexuality were deemed a paraphilia, it would be relatively unique among them, taxonometrically speaking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James M Cantor
- Sexual Behaviours Clinic, Law and Mental Health Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nowak NT, Moffat SD. The relationship between second to fourth digit ratio, spatial cognition, and virtual navigation. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2011; 40:575-585. [PMID: 20809371 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-010-9668-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2009] [Revised: 07/08/2010] [Accepted: 07/08/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Studies in human and non-human animals have found that early life exposure to androgens may affect later spatial performance. Recent studies have suggested that the ratio of the second to fourth digit (2D:4D) may serve as an index of prenatal androgen exposure. Some studies have found that the 2D:4D ratio predicts adult spatial performance, although the nature of the relationship is equivocal. This study was designed to quantify the relationships between 2D:4D ratio, spatial cognition, and spatial navigation using a virtual Morris water task (vMWT) in a sample of young adult men and women (N = 140). The results replicated findings from the literature regarding sex differences in 2D:4D ratio, vMWT performance, and spatial cognition. However, 2D:4D ratio was not consistently related to spatial cognition or spatial navigation in men or women. Results were discussed within the framework of androgen influences on spatial cognition and the degree to which 2D:4D ratio serves as a marker for early life androgen exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole T Nowak
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Gabriel KI, Hong SM, Chandra M, Lonborg SD, Barkley CL. Gender Differences in the Effects of Acute Stress on Spatial Ability. SEX ROLES 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s11199-010-9877-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
18
|
Cherney ID, Brabec CM, Runco DV. Mapping out spatial ability: sex differences in way-finding navigation. Percept Mot Skills 2009; 107:747-60. [PMID: 19235405 DOI: 10.2466/pms.107.3.747-760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study examined how navigational strategies, map drawing, and map reading skills may be related in spatial perception performance of 124 U.S. undergraduate men and women who completed one of two versions of Collaer and Nelson's Judgment of Line Angle and Position-15 test and Piaget's Water Level Test. Analysis indicated sex differences in performance were eliminated when self-perceptions of map reading, map drawing, and navigational skills were used as covariates. The men used an orientation (cardinal), whereas the women used a landmark way-finding strategy. Introducing a fine motor skill to solve the Judgment of Line Angle and Position-15 eliminated the sex difference. The data suggest spatial perception is in part influenced by map reading and way-finding strategies.
Collapse
|
19
|
Improvement in speech-reading ability by auditory training: Evidence from gender differences in normally hearing, deaf and cochlear implanted subjects. Neuropsychologia 2009; 47:972-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2008.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2008] [Revised: 10/20/2008] [Accepted: 10/23/2008] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
20
|
Peña D, Contreras MJ, Shih PC, Santacreu J. Solution strategies as possible explanations of individual and sex differences in a dynamic spatial task. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2008; 128:1-14. [PMID: 17977506 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2007.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2006] [Revised: 09/04/2007] [Accepted: 09/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
When individuals perform spatial tasks, individual differences emerge in accuracy and speed as well as in the response patterns used to cope with the task. The purpose of this study is to identify, through empirical criteria, the different response patterns or strategies used by individuals when performing the dynamic spatial task presented in the Spatial Orientation Dynamic Test-Revised (SODT-R). Results show that participants can be classified according to their response patterns. Three different ways of solving a task are described, and their relation to (a) performance factors (response latency, response frequency, and invested time) and (b) ability tests (analytical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and spatial estimation) are investigated. Sex differences in response patterns and performance are also analyzed. It is found that the frequency with which men and women employ each one of the strategies described here, is different and statistically significant. Thus, employed strategy plays an important role when interpreting sex differences on dynamic spatial tasks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Peña
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
CHERNEY ISABELLED. MAPPING OUT SPATIAL ABILITY: SEX DIFFERENCES IN WAY-FINDING NAVIGATION. Percept Mot Skills 2008. [DOI: 10.2466/pms.107.7.747-760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
22
|
Collaer ML, Reimers S, Manning JT. Visuospatial performance on an internet line judgment task and potential hormonal markers: sex, sexual orientation, and 2D:4D. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2007; 36:177-92. [PMID: 17380373 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-006-9152-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2006] [Accepted: 12/11/2006] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
We investigated whether performance on a visuospatial line judgment task, the Judgment of Line Angle and Position-15 test (JLAP-15), showed evidence of sensitivity to early sex steroid exposure by examining how it related to sex, as well as to sexual orientation and 2D:4D digit ratios. Participants were drawn from a large Internet study with over 250,000 participants. In the main sample (ages 12-58 years), males outperformed females on the JLAP-15, showing a moderate effect size for sex. In agreement with a prenatal sex hormone hypothesis, line judgment accuracy in adults related to 2D:4D and sexual orientation, both of which are postulated to be influenced by early steroids. In both sexes, better visuospatial performance was associated with lower (more male-typical) digit ratios. For men, heterosexual participants outperformed homosexual/bisexual participants on the JLAP-15 and, for women, homosexual/bisexual participants outperformed heterosexual participants. In children aged 8-10 years, presumed to be a largely prepubertal group, boys also outperformed girls. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that visuospatial ability is influenced by early sex steroids, although they do not rule out alternative explanations or additional influences. More broadly, such results support a prenatal sex hormone hypothesis that degree of androgen exposure may influence the neural circuitry underlying cognition (visuospatial ability) and sexual orientation as well as aspects of somatic (digit ratio) development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcia L Collaer
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, 5605 Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont 05753, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Amunts K, Armstrong E, Malikovic A, Hömke L, Mohlberg H, Schleicher A, Zilles K. Gender-specific left-right asymmetries in human visual cortex. J Neurosci 2007; 27:1356-64. [PMID: 17287510 PMCID: PMC6673571 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4753-06.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2006] [Revised: 12/22/2006] [Accepted: 12/22/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The structural correlates of gender differences in visuospatial processing are essentially unknown. Our quantitative analysis of the cytoarchitecture of the human primary visual cortex [V1/Brodmann area 17 (BA17)], neighboring area V2 (BA18), and the cytoarchitectonic correlate of the motion-sensitive complex (V5/MT+/hOc5) shows that the visual areas are sexually dimorphic and that the type of dimorphism differs among the areas. Gender differences exist in the interhemispheric asymmetry of hOc5 volumes and in the right-hemispheric volumetric ratio of hOc5 to BA17, an area that projects to V5/MT+/hOc5. Asymmetry was also observed in the surface area of hOc5 but not in its cortical thickness. The differences give males potentially more space in which to process additional information, a finding consistent with superior male processing in particular visuospatial tasks, such as mental rotation. Gender differences in hOc5 exist with similar volume fractions of cell bodies, implying that, overall, the visual neural circuitry is similar in males and females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Amunts
- Institute of Medicine, Research Center Jülich, D-52525 Jülich, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Rahman Q, Koerting J. Sexual orientation-related differences in allocentric spatial memory tasks. Hippocampus 2007; 18:55-63. [DOI: 10.1002/hipo.20375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|