Trait approach and avoidance motivation: lateralized neural activity associated with executive function.
Motivation and executive function are both necessary for the completion of goal-directed behavior. Research investigating the manner in which these processes interact is beginning to emerge and has implicated middle frontal gyrus (MFG) as a site of interaction for relevant neural mechanisms. However, this research has focused on state motivation, and it has not examined functional lateralization. The present study examined the impact of trait levels of approach and avoidance motivation on neural processes associated with executive function. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was conducted while participants performed a color-word Stroop task. Analyses identified brain regions in which trait approach and avoidance motivation (measured by questionnaires) moderated activation associated with executive control. Approach was hypothesized to be associated with left-lateralized MFG activation, whereas avoidance was hypothesized to be associated with right-lateralized MFG activation. Results supported both hypotheses. Present findings implicate areas of middle frontal gyrus in top-down control to guide behavior in accordance with motivational goals.
Spielberg
Jeffrey M
JM
Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA. jspielb2@illinois.edu
Miller
Gregory A
GA
Engels
Anna S
AS
Herrington
John D
JD
Sutton
Bradley P
BP
Banich
Marie T
MT
Heller
Wendy
W
D000293:Adolescent; D001007:Anxiety; D001362:Avoidance Learning; D001519:Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology*; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000502:physiology; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D009042:Motivation / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D018579:Patient Selection; D011930:Reaction Time; D057190:Stroop Test; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013694:Temperament / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult