Sex differences in the association between error-related negativity and harm avoidance during emotional Stroop task.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between personality trait harm avoidance and error-related negativity (ERN), emotional Stroop task performances, and to analyze whether sex could serve as a moderator between them.

METHODS

A total of 40 healthy adults (17 men, 23 women) were included in this study. Personality scores, the accuracy and reaction time of the emotional Stroop task, and ERN at FCz were compared between sexes. The interrelationships of these data were analyzed through correlation and regression analyses, considering sex separately and the interaction of sex with harm avoidance in these analyses.

RESULTS

In multiple linear regression analysis, the interaction item of sex and harm avoidance showed a significant association with ERN when considering all participants. In men, harm avoidance had significant associations with ERN, accuracy and reaction time of the emotional Stroop task. However, in women, associations of harm avoidance with ERN and emotional Stroop task performances were not significant.

CONCLUSION

ERN could be observed through the emotional Stroop task. The significant relationships between harm avoidance and ERN, harm avoidance and emotional Stroop task performances were only established in men. ERN, the emotional Stroop task, and harm avoidance are all associated with internalizing disorders; they can be linked according to the findings.