title: Connectivity strength of dissociable striatal tracts predict individual differences in temporal discounting.
abstract: Large individual differences exist in the ability to delay gratification for the sake of satisfying longer-term goals. These individual differences are commonly assayed by studying intertemporal preferences, as revealed by choices between immediate and delayed rewards. In the brain, reward-based and goal-oriented decisions are believed to rely on the striatum and its interactions with other cortical and subcortical networks. However, it remains unknown which specific cortical-striatal tracts are involved in intertemporal decision making. We use connectivity analyses in both structural and functional MRI to further our understanding of the relationship between distinct corticostriatal networks and intertemporal preferences in humans. Our results revealed distinct striatal pathways that are differentially related to delay discounting. Structural and functional connectivity between striatum and lateral prefrontal cortex was associated with increased patience, whereas connectivity between subcortical areas and striatum was associated with increased impulsivity. These findings provide novel insights into how the anatomy and functioning of striatal circuits mediate individual differences in intertemporal choice.
authors: Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, Center for Adaptive Rationality, Max-Planck-Institute for Human Development, 14195 Berlin, Germany, and vandenbos@mpib-berlin.mpg.de smcclure@stanford.edu.
authors: Wouter
authors: W
authors: van den Bos
authors: Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305.
authors: Christian A
authors: CA
authors: Rodriguez
authors: MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95817.
authors: Julie B
authors: JB
authors: Schweitzer
authors: Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, vandenbos@mpib-berlin.mpg.de smcclure@stanford.edu.
authors: Samuel M
authors: SM
authors: McClure
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001931:Brain Mapping; D003342:Corpus Striatum / Q000098:blood supply / Q000502:physiology*; D003657:Decision Making / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007206:Individuality; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000098:blood supply / Q000502:physiology*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012201:Reward; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen