title: The reward positivity: from basic research on reward to a biomarker for depression.
abstract: Feedback indicating monetary loss elicits an apparent negative deflection in the event-related potential (ERP) that has been referred to as the feedback error-related negativity, medial frontal negativity, feedback-related negativity, and feedback negativity-all conceptualizations that suggest a negative ERP component that is greater for loss than gain. In the current paper, I review a programmatic line of research indicating that this apparent negativity actually reflects a reward-related positivity (RewP) that is absent or suppressed following nonreward. I situate the RewP within a broader nomological network of reward processing and individual differences in sensitivity to rewards. Further, I review work linking reductions in the RewP to increased depressive symptoms and risk for depression. Finally, I discuss future directions for research on the RewP.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Greg Hajcak
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Proudfit
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D012201:Reward
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers
keywords: EEG/ERP; Emotion; Feedback negativity; Individual differences; Motivation; Psychopathology; Reward positivity