The research team led by Makiko Yamada from the Japanese National Institute of Radiological Sciences looked at the neural processes of male healthy volunteers. Using several psychological test methods they tested the probands´ self-confidence and anxiety responses. The probands had to solve several psychological tasks, enabling to give insights into their self-confidence and motivation.

The scientists observed the brain activity by fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission Tomography). Using these two imaging techniques they could gain decisive insights into the neural activity in the prefrontal lobes and the striatum. Obviously the dopamine levels in two brain regions play a central role in the self-overestimation.

The researchers hope that their findings may help to develop new treatments for depression.

Literature:
Makiko Yamada et al. (2013): Superiority illusion Arises from resting-state brain networks modulated by dopamine, PNAS, DOI:. 10.1073/pnas.1221681110