YGNTI Model
YGNTI (YG Neuro-Type Indicator)
Abstract
This paper proposes the YGNTI model, which overcomes the biological ambiguity inherent in the statistical factor analysis of existing personality psychology (Big Five, MBTI) and elucidates the driving principles of personality through the brain's 'Key Functional Hubs' and their 'Antagonistic Networks.' YGNTI interprets that each dimension of the Big Five is determined by the dominance of specific neural networks, and that human personality manifests as a result of 'Zero-sum Competition' between neural networks to efficiently allocate limited brain energy resources [1]. Furthermore, this model reveals that the neurological mechanisms of each personality type exist on a continuum with specific psychopathologies. By analyzing pathological extreme states, this paper presents an integrated framework that inversely explains the subtle behavioral differences in normal personalities [4].
Introduction
Traditional personality theories have succeeded in describing 'How' to classify human behavior, but have lacked explanations for the neurobiological causality of 'Why' such personalities exist and 'Where' they originate. For instance, the mechanisms explaining why extroverts seek more rewards or why neurotic individuals are sensitive to threats have largely remained at a psychological level.
Accordingly, the YGNTI model reduces the five dimensions of the Big Five into the Functional Dominance of 10 neural hubs and the dynamic relationship between them and their resisting antagonistic regions. This clarifies the biological foundation of personality and redefines personality traits not merely as 'temperament,' but as differences in the 'wiring strength' of brain circuits.
Strategic Modularity
Rather than addressing all complex interactions across the entire brain, YGNTI focuses on the **Key Hubs (Switches)** that exert the most powerful influence on the manifestation of personality phenomena. This modular approach connects ambiguous psychological concepts to specific neurobiological targets such as the **Nucleus Accumbens (NAcc), Amygdala, and Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)**, thereby clarifying causal relationships [5].
Dynamic Antagonism
The brain is a state of competition between networks performing opposing functions. Personality is the equilibrium point in a **'Tug-of-war'** between two neural systems. For example, while higher regulatory regions (e.g., rACC) attempt to inhibit lower reactive regions (e.g., Amygdala), if the activity level of the lower system exceeds a threshold, it can **overpower** the higher mechanism [6]. Personality types are determined by where this balance of power is fixed.
Psychopathology Continuum
This model views all personality types as extensions of states of **Hyperactivity** or **Hypoactivity** in specific neural hubs. When normal personality traits exceed control levels and become extreme, they manifest as **psychopathology**. Therefore, personality differences should be interpreted as part of a spectrum for understanding potential mental health risk factors.
10 Neuro-Indicators
The functional building blocks of the YGNTI model
Big Five Integration
Extraversion
The Nucleus Accumbens, the core of the dopamine reward pathway, is activated and responds explosively to reward prediction. This triggers high motivation for action initiation and an optimistic attitude.
The Lateral Habenula, acting as an 'Anti-Reward System,' dominates, responding sensitively to reward failure or punishment and inhibiting dopamine release [10]. This induces prudence and behavioral inhibition.
Openness
The PCC, the posterior hub of the DMN, is activated, immersing the individual in Stimulus-Independent Thought and internal simulation independent of external stimuli [11, 17]. Strong in abstract concepts.
The Insula, the core of the Salience Network, is activated, prioritizing the processing of Interoception and present physical stimuli (Salience) [12]. Realistic and experience-oriented.
Agreeableness
The ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex dominates, integrating others' emotions and social values as key variables in judgment. Logic may be conceded for pro-social outcomes [13].
The dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex dominates, suppressing emotional input from the vmPFC and making cool-headed judgments based on rules and objective efficiency [13].
Conscientiousness
The dACC, the core of the TPN, suppresses noise from the DMN through Conflict Detection and focuses on goals [14]. Systematic and orderly.
The mPFC, the anterior hub of the DMN, is activated, dispersing attentional focus and inducing free association. Pursues the divergence of possibilities rather than control [15].
Neuroticism
Hyper-reactivity of the amygdala overpowers rACC regulation, maintaining a constant state of Vigilance against potential threats. This forms caution for survival [5].
The rostral Anterior Cingulate Cortex effectively suppresses the amygdala, providing a wide psychological Latitude to maintain emotional stability even in stressful situations [2, 8].
Pathological Spectrum
Motivation Axis: R/P Spectrum (Pleasure Seeking vs. Error Avoidance)
Pathology: Mania/Addiction: Uncontrollable impulses due to excessive reward signals in NAcc.
Personality: Drive and Leadership: Pursues immediate action and achievement; breaks through difficulties optimistically.
Pathology: Depression/Apathy: Helplessness due to excessive negative reward signals in LHb.
Personality: Prudence and Responsibility: Scrutinizes failure possibilities; focuses on inspection rather than action.
Cognition/Perception Axis: I/S Spectrum (Idea Seeking vs. Sense Capturing)
Pathology: Depersonalization/Dissociation: Blocking of reality sense and feelings of unreality.
Personality: Theoretical Speculation: Immersed in principles and concepts behind phenomena; enjoys abstract discussions.
Pathology: Panic Disorder/Hypochondriasis: Hypersensitivity and misinterpretation of somatic sensory information.
Personality: Concrete Practicality: Finds realistic answers based on current environments and empirical facts.
Decision-making Axis: E/J Spectrum (Empathy Value vs. Logic Value)
Pathology: Borderline Personality Disorder: Excessive emotional sensitivity and failure of impulse control.
Personality: Relationship Orientation: Prioritizes harmony and cooperation by integrating others' feelings.
Pathology: Antisocial Personality Disorder: Inability to empathize emotionally and cold, calculated behavior.
Personality: Efficiency Orientation: Judges fairly and cool-headed based on objective logic and rules.
Control Axis: O/D Spectrum (Goal Oriented vs. Divergent)
Pathology: OCD: Excessive error detection and repetitive checking behaviors.
Personality: Systematic Execution: Prefers structure and predictability; shows perfectionist tendencies.
Pathology: ADHD: Attention deficit and persistent cognitive distraction.
Personality: Flexibility and Originality: Enjoys non-linear thinking; pursues improvisation and diversity rather than rules.
Threat Axis: C/L Spectrum (Vigilance vs. Ease)
Pathology: Paranoia/GAD: Irrational distrust and chronic anxiety due to amygdala hypersensitivity. Regards minor stimuli as threats.
Personality: Vigilance and Preparation: "Look before you leap." Prepares for worst-case scenarios and shows Caution in choosing verified safe paths.
Pathology: Safety Insensitivity/Disinhibition: Blunted perception of danger signals due to rACC over-regulation. Abnormally calm or reckless in crises.
Personality: Psychological Ease: "It will work out somehow." Has a wide Emotional Latitude that accepts uncertainty without perceiving it as a threat. Optimistic.
Conclusion
The YGNTI model defines personality as a compromise point between neural networks for the efficient use of limited brain resources, successfully translating the statistical descriptions of the existing Big Five model into neuroscientific mechanisms. This approach suggests a single continuum where the Dominance and Suppression of specific brain functions form individual differences in personality while simultaneously explaining the risk of psychopathology when that balance collapses.
In particular, the concepts of Caution and Latitude redefined in this paper allow Neuroticism to be interpreted not simply as emotional instability, but as a biological balance between threat detection mechanisms and emotional acceptance capacity. The YGNTI model is expected to make significant contributions as a neurological indicator for the development of personalized cognitive training programs and the early screening of mental health risk factors in the future.