Investigating the association of self‐image and brain maps in medical students: A quantitative electroencephalography study

TL;DR

This study explores how medical students' self-image relates to brain activity, finding differences in theta waves in the frontal lobes.

Contribution

The study identifies a novel link between self-image and theta wave activity in the prefrontal cortex of medical students.

Findings

Medical students showed relatively high self-image scores with no gender differences.

High- and low-self-image students had significant differences in frontal lobe theta signals.

The theta wave differences were not localized but related to overall prefrontal cortex function.

Abstract

Self‐image, conceived as one's mental blueprint and a composite of thoughts, is among the hotly debated topics in psychology. Exploring the brain's structure, functionality, and physiology has also proven crucial in understanding one's self‐image. In this vein, the current study aimed to examine the relationship between quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) findings and medical students' self‐image.

To measure self‐image, the Offer Self‐Image Questionnaire and, for the QEEG findings, a Mitsar EEG‐202 device were used. To analyze the QEEG findings, the FDA‐approved Neuroguide software was utilized.

In the first phase, out of the 93 questionnaires returned, the maximum score, on a scale of 1 to 6, was 5.52 and the minimum was 2.36. Hence, it could be argued that the medical students who took part in this study had relatively high self‐images. Results, however, showed no significant difference between the two genders regarding either their overall self‐image score or any of its subcategories. In the second phase, the QEEG analyses of high‐ and low‐self‐image students suggested a statistically significant difference in their θ signal of the frontal lobes. Further analysis indicated that the difference was not localized to any single lead or lobe, but pertained to the overall function of the prefrontal cortices.

The relationship observed between medical students' self‐image and their brain θ waves could contribute to a better understanding of people's cognitive functions.

This study investigated the possible relationship between medical students' self‐image and their brain maps. To this end, brain maps of high‐ and low‐self‐image students were compared. Findings suggested a statistically significant difference in the θ signal of the two groups' frontal lobes. Further analysis inidcated that the difference was not localized to any single lead or lobe, but pertained to the overall function of the prefrontal cortices.

Figures