Neural intrinsic functional connectivity associated with sensation seeking in heavy metal music and classical music lovers

The aim of this study was to investigate the spontaneous neural activity and functional connectivity in heavy metal music lovers (HMML) and classical music lovers (CML) as well as the neural correlates of sensation seeking in two groups. Thrity-six HMML and 30 CML underwent resting-state functional MRI scans. Fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations and seed-based resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) were computed to explore regional activity and functional integration. A voxel-wise two-sample t-test was used to test the differences between the two groups and a whole-brain correlation analysis was carried out to explore RSFCs that were related to sensation seeking scores in HMML and CML separately. Compared with CML, HMML showed lower fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in the right gyrus rectus and lower RSFC between the right gyrus rectus and the right precuneus. Correlation results indicate that preferences for heavy metal music and classical music were associated with the relationship between RSFC and sensation seeking. These findings may suggest the neural correlates of sensation seeking were related to music preference (heavy metal music vs. classical music).