Neural reward processing is modulated by approach- and avoidance-related personality traits.
The neural processing of reward can be differentiated into two sub-components with different functions, "wanting" (i.e., the expectation of a reward which includes appetitive and motivational components) and "liking" (i.e., the hedonic impact experienced during the receipt of a reward), involving distinct neural systems. We hypothesize that variability in neural reward processing previously observed in healthy subjects could reflect inter-individual differences in personality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate how the neural processing during expectation and reception of a reward depends on interpersonal differences in reward sensitivity, more specifically the tendency to approach vs. avoid reward-related situations. We employed event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging during a monetary incentive delay task. Subjects with a high approach motivation showed more activation of the Ventral Striatum (VS) during the receipt of a reward, and more medial orbitofrontal activity during both the receipt and omission of a reward. Subjects with a high behavioral inhibition showed less activation in the VS during the receipt of a reward. These findings indicate that the tendency to approach or avoid reward-related situations exhibits a distinct relation with neural reward processing. Specifically, subjects with high behavioral approach appear to be sensitive mainly to positive outcomes and to a lesser extent to the omissions of rewards, whereas subjects with low behavioral approach as well as those with a high inhibition tendency display a blunted response to rewards.
Simon
Joe J
JJ
Section of Experimental Psychopathology, Department of Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Germany. joe.simon@psychologie.uni-heidelberg.de
Walther
Stephan
S
Fiebach
Christian J
CJ
Friederich
Hans-Christoph
HC
Stippich
Christoph
C
Weisbrod
Matthias
M
Kaiser
Stefan
S
D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D003463:Cues; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010551:Personality / Q000502:physiology*; D010556:Personality Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D011930:Reaction Time; D012201:Reward; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D055815:Young Adult