What was the outcome of Phineas Gage's accident?

Phineas Gage's accident resulted in drastic personality changes that were significant and well-documented. After a tamping iron accidentally penetrated his skull, damaging his frontal lobe, Gage underwent a transformation in his behavior and personality. He was no longer able to make decisions as effectively, exhibited impulsiveness, and struggled with social interactions, which indicated a severe alteration in his character and emotional regulation.

This case is pivotal in psychology as it provided early evidence of the link between specific areas of the brain and personality, decision-making, and emotional control. Gage's ability to function in everyday life was severely impacted, which illustrated the critical role the frontal lobe plays in maintaining personality and social behavior. His experiences have served as foundational in understanding the brain's influence on psychological processes.