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Dominik T, Mele A, Schurger A, Maoz U. Libet's legacy: A primer to the neuroscience of volition. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 157:105503. [PMID: 38072144 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The neuroscience of volition is an emerging subfield of the brain sciences, with hundreds of papers on the role of consciousness in action formation published each year. This makes the state-of-the-art in the discipline poorly accessible to newcomers and difficult to follow even for experts in the field. Here we provide a comprehensive summary of research in this field since its inception that will be useful to both groups. We also discuss important ideas that have received little coverage in the literature so far. We systematically reviewed a set of 2220 publications, with detailed consideration of almost 500 of the most relevant papers. We provide a thorough introduction to the seminal work of Benjamin Libet from the 1960s to 1980s. We also discuss common criticisms of Libet's method, including temporal introspection, the interpretation of the assumed physiological correlates of volition, and various conceptual issues. We conclude with recent advances and potential future directions in the field, highlighting modern methodological approaches to volition, as well as important recent findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alfred Mele
- Department of Philosophy, Florida State University, FL, USA
| | | | - Uri Maoz
- Brain Institute, Chapman University, CA, USA
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Wright IH, Sekar A, Jensen MT, Hodgson M, Bancroft MJ, Koohi N, Lees AJ, Morris HR, Kaski D. Reflexive and volitional saccadic eye movements and their changes in age and progressive supranuclear palsy. J Neurol Sci 2022; 443:120482. [PMID: 36356484 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Saccades, rapid movements of the eyes towards a visual or remembered target, are useful in understanding the healthy brain and the pathology of neurological conditions such as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). We set out to investigate the parameters of horizontal reflexive and volitional saccades, both visually guided and memory-guided, over a 1 min epoch in healthy individuals and PSP patients. METHODS An experimental paradigm tested reflexive, volitional visually guided, and volitional memory-guided saccades in young healthy controls (n = 14; 20-31 years), PSP patients (n = 11; 46-75 years) and older age-matched healthy controls (n = 6; 56-71 years). The accuracy and velocity of saccades was recorded using an EyeBrain T2® video eye tracker and analyses performed using the MyEyeAnalysis® software. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to identify significant effects (p < 0.01) between young and older controls to investigate the effects of ageing upon saccades, and between PSP patients and age-matched controls to study the effects of PSP upon saccades. RESULTS In both healthy individuals and PSP patients, volitional saccades are slower and less accurate than reflexive saccades. In PSP patients, accuracy is lower across all saccade types compared to age-matched controls, but velocity is lower only for reflexive saccades. Crucially, there is no change in accuracy or velocity of consecutive saccades over short (one-minute) timescales in controls or PSP patients. CONCLUSIONS Velocity and accuracy of saccades in PSP does not decrease over one-minute timescales, contrary to that previously observed in Parkinson's Disease (PD), suggesting a potential clinical biomarker for the distinction of PSP from PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Hempstead Wright
- Centre for Vestibular and Behavioural Neurosciences, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Akila Sekar
- Centre for Vestibular and Behavioural Neurosciences, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Marte Theilmann Jensen
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Megan Hodgson
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew J Bancroft
- Centre for Vestibular and Behavioural Neurosciences, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Nehzat Koohi
- Centre for Vestibular and Behavioural Neurosciences, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK; The Ear Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew J Lees
- Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies, University College London, London, UK
| | - Huw R Morris
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Diego Kaski
- Centre for Vestibular and Behavioural Neurosciences, Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK; The Ear Institute, University College London, London, UK.
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Rinaldi R, Lefebvre L. Goal-directed behaviors in patients with schizophrenia: Concept relevance and updated model. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2016; 70:394-404. [PMID: 27177973 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.12401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Goal-directed behaviors are formulated to pursue a given objective by constructing a plan and selecting actions that lead to the intended goal, either immediately or over an extended period. This concept is important to the study of human behavior because of its involvement in the majority of complex or novel situations that an individual may encounter, regardless of the cognitive, affective, or social abilities required. In this paper, we aim to demonstrate the relevance of goal-directed behaviors to our understanding of the cognitive deficits and other symptoms associated with schizophrenia. A systematic analysis of this relation may allow us to develop integrative hypotheses regarding positive, negative, and disorganized symptoms of schizophrenia rather than consider them to be distinct issues. In this article, we review previous studies of goal-directed actions in patients with schizophrenia in order to clarify the relevant concepts and provide a theoretical basis for the integration of existing results. Based on available theoretical models and data, we propose an updated model to facilitate further investigation of schizophrenia-related impairments in goal-directed behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Rinaldi
- Department of Cognitive Sciences and Neuropsychology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium.
| | - Laurent Lefebvre
- Department of Cognitive Sciences and Neuropsychology, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
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Gaeta ML, Herrero ML. Influencia de las estrategias volitivas en la autorregulación del aprendizaje. STUDIES IN PSYCHOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1174/021093909787536317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Polito V, Barnier AJ, Woody EZ. Developing the Sense of Agency Rating Scale (SOARS): An empirical measure of agency disruption in hypnosis. Conscious Cogn 2013; 22:684-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2013.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Voluntary and involuntary spatial attentions interact differently with awareness. Neuropsychologia 2011; 49:2465-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2011.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2010] [Revised: 04/14/2011] [Accepted: 04/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Mathy C, Broonen JP, Henrotin Y, Marty M, Legout V, Genevay S, Duplan B, Bazin T, Laroche F, Savarieau B, Cedraschi C. Development and validation of a questionnaire assessing volitional competencies to enhance the performance of physical activities in chronic low back pain patients. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2011; 12:111. [PMID: 21612583 PMCID: PMC3125250 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-12-111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Motivation has long been emphasized as the most important determinant of action. However, there is a substantial gap between people's goals and their attainment. Patients may be motivated and yet unable to take action if their volitional competencies are insufficient. One of the important tasks of volition is goal-maintenance. Research has stressed the importance of a volitional tool, the implementation intentions. Implementation intentions indicate where, when, and how the action leading to the goal will be performed. Forming implementation intentions favours the execution of goal-directed efforts, and reinforces the relationship between intentions and behaviours. Results from various studies clearly suggest that volitional competencies and implementation intentions could play a role in low back pain (LBP) patients. However, there is at present no questionnaire allowing assessing the capacity of implementation intentions of physical activities in LBP patients. Methods/Design This study will develop such a questionnaire, using a 3-step approach. A first qualitative step to build categories and generate items; 30 patients suffering chronic LBP will be invited to participate in semi-structured interviews; verbatim and derived items will then be submitted to a panel of experts, using a Delphi method; a second quantitative step to examine the properties of items, and determine the factorial structure of the questionnaire; 100 patients suffering chronic LBP will be recruited to respond to this phase; and third, preliminary psychometric analyses (item-scale correlations, construct validity, reliability); 180 chronic LBP patients will be recruited for this phase of the study. The relationships between implementation intentions and variables affecting physical activity on chronic LBP patients, i.e. pain, physical capacities, fear-avoidance beliefs, kinesiophobia, work status, and level of physical activity will be considered. Discussion Developing a questionnaire to assess implementation intentions would allow investigating the role of these intentions in the transition from acute to chronic LBP. The results of this study should contribute to the understanding of the psychological processes at stake in the development of chronic LBP, and in particular to the identification of factors eventually favouring patients' participation in and adherence to active physical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Mathy
- Social Psychology Unit, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
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Abstract
This paper discusses psychological approaches to intentions and to the limits of intentions and the biological foundations of intentions. Following a minimum common argument about what intentions are, psychological aspects of intentions are reviewed. We begin with a discussion of the developmental perspective on intentions. Then, the focus turns to the discussion of the limits of intentions, followed by the presentation of strategies that can help to overcome problems of goal setting and goal striving. Finally, different aspects of intentions are addressed, for instance, intentions as results of decisions after deliberation and as processes of conscious and unconscious goal striving.
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Broonen JP, Marty M, Legout V, Cedraschi C, Henrotin Y. Is volition the missing link in the management of low back pain? Joint Bone Spine 2010; 78:364-7. [PMID: 21159537 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2010.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain are typically prescribed a regimen of regular physical exercises to improve pain and function, increase workability, and prevent pain recurrence. However, adherence to home exercise programs is often partial at best. Patients often fail to translate their intention to exercise (motivation) into action (implementation). Volition is the mental activity by which intentions are implemented. In this review, we argue that volition may be crucial to the successful rehabilitation of patients with low back pain. Obstacles to the implementation of intentions are described, as well as factors that promote implementation, most notably the conscious formation of implementation intentions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Broonen
- Service d'orientation universitaire, université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Absent minds and absent agents: Attention-lapse induced alienation of agency. Conscious Cogn 2009; 18:481-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2009.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2008] [Revised: 12/29/2008] [Accepted: 01/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Achtziger A, Fehr T, Oettingen G, Gollwitzer PM, Rockstroh B. Strategies of intention formation are reflected in continuous MEG activity. Soc Neurosci 2009; 4:11-27. [DOI: 10.1080/17470910801925350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Braude H. The target of the self and the arrows of volition and self-representation. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2009; 9:46-47. [PMID: 19132623 DOI: 10.1080/15265160802617993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hillel Braude
- McGill University, Bioethics Unit, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Implementation Intentions Facilitate Response Inhibition in Children with ADHD. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s10608-007-9150-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Abstract
The development of the frontal systems is a major evolutionary advancement of the human race. It enables the regulation of behaviors in accordance with goals and, hence, frees humans from the constraints imposed by our basic physiological instincts. The burgeoning neuroscience and neuropsychology literature has consistently highlighted the important roles played by the prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex in effective and efficient regulation of behaviors. On the other hand, aging is associated with changes in the neural network subserving behavioral regulation. Different neuropathologies also impact upon the function of the prefrontal cortex–anterior cingulate cortex system. Therefore, our brains require neural mechanisms in place that can facilitate functional recovery after brain injuries. Future research to enhance theoretical understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the regulation of behaviors would contribute to the development of cost–effective treatment modalities that promote maximum functional return in people recovering from brain dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatia MC Lee
- The University of Hong Kong, K610, Laboratory of Neuropsychology, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China, and, MacLehose Medical Rehabilitation Centre & The University of Hong Kong, Institute of Clinical Neuropsychology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ada WS Leung
- The University of Hong Kong, K640, Laboratory of Neuropsychology, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China, and, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Laboratory of Applied Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chetwyn CH Chan
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Laboratory of Applied Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong, China
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Levy N. Addiction, autonomy and ego-depletion: a response to Bennett Foddy and Julian Savulescu. BIOETHICS 2006; 20:16-20. [PMID: 16680878 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8519.2006.00471.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Neil Levy
- Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia.
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Mulert C, Menzinger E, Leicht G, Pogarell O, Hegerl U. Evidence for a close relationship between conscious effort and anterior cingulate cortex activity. Int J Psychophysiol 2005; 56:65-80. [PMID: 15725491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2004.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2004] [Revised: 09/28/2004] [Accepted: 10/07/2004] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The function of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) has been discussed in the last years in the context of conflict monitoring and error detection. In addition, ACC activity has been described in the context of "conscious effort". Recent neurophysiological and neuroimaging studies have described a negative correlation between ACC activity and reaction times in simple or choice reaction time experiments. One suggested explanation for this finding has been that there is a relationship between effort and ACC activity. The present ERP-LORETA study of healthy volunteers (n=35) was intended to directly investigate this relationship. In this experiment, three conditions were investigated: condition I was a choice reaction task with the instruction to stay relaxed during the task (relaxed condition), condition II was the same choice reaction task with the instruction to press the respective button as fast and correct as possible (effort condition). Condition III was just listening to the tones without button press (control condition). Subjects had to score directly after each experimental run on a visual analogue scale the amount of effort they have actually spent. The subjects showed significantly shorter reaction times during the high effort condition in comparison to the relaxed condition, as well as increased N1 amplitudes and increased ACC activity. In a subgroup analysis, this effect was present only in subjects who were (according to their self-ratings) following the instructions closely. These results provide direct evidence for a close relationship between conscious effort and ACC activity and suggest the usefulness of the applied effort-self-rating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Mulert
- Department of Psychiatry, Nussbaumstrasse 7, LMU, Munich 80336 München, Germany.
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Posner MI. Genes and experience shape brain networks of conscious control. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2005; 150:173-83. [PMID: 16186022 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(05)50012-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
One aspect of consciousness involves voluntary control over thoughts and feelings, often called will. Progress in neuroimaging and in sequencing the human genome makes it possible to think about voluntary control in terms of a specific neural network that includes midline and lateral frontal areas. A number of cognitive tasks involving conflict as well as the control of emotions have been shown to activate these brain areas. Studies have traced the development of this network in the ability to regulate cognition and emotion from about 2.5 to 7 years of age. Individual differences in this network have been related to parental reports of the ability of children to regulate their behavior, to delay reward and to develop a conscience. In adolescents these individual differences predict the propensity for antisocial behavior. Differences in specific genes are related to individual efficiency in performance of the network, and by neuroimaging, to the strength of its activation of this network. Future animal studies may make it possible to learn in detail how genes influence the common pattern of development of self-regulation made possible by this network. Moreover, a number of neurological and psychiatric pathologies involving difficulties in awareness and volition show deficits in parts of this network. We are now studying whether specific training experiences can influence the development of this network in 4-year-old children and if so, for whom it is most effective. Voluntary control is also important for the regulation of conscious input from the sensory environment. It seems likely that the same network involved in self-regulation is also crucial for focal attention to the sensory world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael I Posner
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1227, USA.
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