Competition in the brain. Social, cognitive and personality effects

Objective: In the present study the social ranking perception in competition was explored. Brain response (alpha band oscillations, EEG; hemodynamic activity, O2Hb) as well as self-perception of social ranking, cognitive performance, and personality trait Behavioral Activation System, BAS,) were considered during a competition. Participants and methods: Subjects (30) were required to develop a strategy to obtain a better outcomes than a competitor. A prefeedback (without a specific feedback on the performance) and a post-feedback condition (which reinforced the improved performance) was provided. Results. It was found that higher BAS participants responded in greater measure to perceived higher cognitive performance (postfeedback condition), with increased prefrontal left activity, perception of higher ranking and a better real performance (reduced RTs). Conclusions: These results were explained in term of increased sense of self-efficacy and social position, probably based on higher-BAS sensitivity to reinforcing condition. In addition, the hemispheric effect in favor to the left side characterized the competitive behavior, showing an imbalance for high-BAS in comparison with low-BAS in the case of a rewarding (post-feedback) context. Therefore, the present results confirmed the significance of BAS in modulating brain responsiveness, self-perceived social position and real performance during an inter-personal competitive action which is considered highly relevant for social status.