title: Neural activity underlying motor-action preparation and cognitive narrowing in approach-motivated goal states.
abstract: High-approach-motivated (pre-goal) positive affect states encourage tenacious goal pursuit and narrow cognitive scope. As such, high approach-motivated states likely enhance the neural correlates of motor-action preparation to aid in goal acquisition. These neural correlates may also relate to the cognitive narrowing associated with high approach-motivated states. In the present study, we investigated motor-action preparation during pre-goal and post-goal states using an index of beta suppression over the motor cortex. The results revealed that beta suppression was greatest in pre-goal positive states, suggesting that higher levels of motor-action preparation occur during high approach-motivated positive states. Furthermore, beta and alpha suppression in the high approach-motivated positive states predicted greater cognitive narrowing. These results suggest that approach-motivated pre-goal states engage the neural substrates of motor-action preparation and cognitive narrowing. Individual differences in motor-action preparation relate to the degree of cognitive narrowing.
authors.affiliation: University of Alabama, 505 Hackberry Lane, P.O. Box 870348, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487-0348, USA. pagable@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Philip A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Gable
authors.affiliation: University of Alabama, 505 Hackberry Lane, P.O. Box 870348, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487-0348, USA.
authors.forename: A Hunter
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Threadgill
authors.affiliation: , Tuscaloosa, AL, USA.
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Adams
mesh_terms: D000339:Affect / Q000502:physiology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation / Q000502:physiology*; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D011930:Reaction Time
keywords: Approach motivation; Beta suppression; Cognitive narrowing; Memory; Motor-action preparation; Pre-goal