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Poole KL, Willoughby T. Shyness and risk-taking during peer observation in children and adolescents. J Exp Child Psychol 2024; 246:105981. [PMID: 38861806 DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2024.105981] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Although temperamental shyness is conceptualized as a trait marked by cautiousness, we know relatively little about its relation to risk-taking. We examined how shyness was related to opportunities for risk-taking while considering how social context (i.e., presence of peers) and developmental stage (i.e., children and adolescents) might influence this relation. In the current study, 198 children (Mage = 10.17 years) and 221 adolescents (Mage = 13.46 years) completed the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART) alone or during a peer observation manipulation. For children and adolescents, shyness was related to physiological arousal and self-reporting feeling anxious during the peer condition. However, peer observation did not influence the relation between shyness and behavioral responses during the BART. Across both alone and peer conditions, shyness was related to a longer response time for children and adolescents, which may reflect decisional conflict during risk-taking opportunities. Furthermore, shyness in children (but not in adolescents) was related to poorer performance (i.e., fewer points), whereas shyness was unrelated to risk-taking propensity (i.e., number of pumps) for both children and adolescents. Overall, although the presence of peers may induce anxiety during a risk-taking opportunity for children and adolescents higher in shyness, this does not appear to modify their risk-taking behaviors. Instead, shyer children and adolescents in general may take a longer time to decide whether to act in a risky manner, whereas shy children in particular may show poorer performance in obtaining a reward on a risk-taking task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie L Poole
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario L2S 3A1, Canada.
| | - Teena Willoughby
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario L2S 3A1, Canada
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2
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Kanterman A, Scheele D, Nevat M, Saporta N, Lieberz J, Hurlemann R, Shamay-Tsoory S. Let me in: The neural correlates of inclusion motivation in loneliness. J Affect Disord 2024; 361:399-408. [PMID: 38897307 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.06.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While it is well-established that humans possess an innate need for social belonging, the neural mechanisms underlying motivation for connection are still largely unknown. We propose that inclusion motivation - measured through the effort that individuals are willing to invest to be included in social interactions - may serve as one of the basic building blocks of social behavior and may change in lonely individuals. METHODS Following the screening of 303 participants, we scanned 30 low- and 28 high-loneliness individuals with functional magnetic resonance imaging while they performed the Active Inclusion Task (AIT). The AIT assesses the participants' levels of effort invested in influencing their inclusion during classic Cyberball conditions of fair play and exclusion. RESULTS High- compared to low-loneliness individuals showed higher urgency for inclusion, specifically during fair play, which correlated with higher activity in the right thalamus. Furthermore, in high-loneliness individuals, we found increased functional connectivity between the thalamus and the temporoparietal junction, putamen, and insula. LIMITATIONS Participants interacted with computerized avatars, reducing ecological validity. Additionally, although increasing inclusion in the task required action, the physical demand was not high. Additional limitations are discussed. CONCLUSIONS Inclusion motivation in loneliness is heightened during fair but not exclusionary interactions, and is linked to activity in brain regions implicated in appetitive behavior and social cognition. The findings indicate that lonely individuals may view threat in inclusionary interactions, prompting them to take action to regain connection. This suggests that inclusion motivation may help explain social difficulties in loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kanterman
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave., Mount Carmel, Haifa 3498838, Israel.
| | - D Scheele
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany; Research Center One Health Ruhr of the University Alliance Ruhr, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - M Nevat
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave., Mount Carmel, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - N Saporta
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave., Mount Carmel, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - J Lieberz
- Section of Medical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - R Hurlemann
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstrasse 114-118, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany; Research Center Neurosensory Science, University of Oldenburg, Melander Heerstrasse 114-118, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - S Shamay-Tsoory
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave., Mount Carmel, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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Sözer ÖT, Dereboy Ç, İzgialp İ. How is variability in physiological responses to social stress related to punishment and reward sensitivities? Preliminary findings from the revised reinforcement sensitivity theory of personality perspective. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2024; 37:667-684. [PMID: 38053395 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2023.2290667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although personality traits are assumed to have biological/physiological foundations, research has yielded mixed evidence regarding the relationship between personality and physiological stress responses. Moreover, the field has often overlooked the contemporary neuroscience-based personality approach, known as the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (RST) of Personality, in stress research. METHOD The present study examined the relationship between the revised RST's personality dimensions and heart rate and skin conductance level (SCL) in response to the Trier Social Stress Test in a sample of 61 healthy university students. RESULTS Piecewise latent growth curve analysis controlling for the participants' current life stress, smoking use, and caffeine intake revealed that individuals with higher behavioral inhibition exhibited higher physiological reactivity, whereas those with high reward sensitivity showed smaller heart rate reactivity. The behavioral disengagement facet of the behavioral inhibition scale was associated with reduced sympathetic arousal during the stress task. Additionally, reward interest was associated with a larger recovery of SCL. CONCLUSION Results were generally in line with the revised theory. The study findings were discussed within the paradigm of the approach-avoidance conflict and highlighted the importance of reward sensitivity in stress resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ömer Taha Sözer
- Department of Psychology, Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van, Türkiye
| | - Çiğdem Dereboy
- Department of Mental Health and Diseases, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Türkiye
| | - İpek İzgialp
- Doctoral Candidate, Department of Psychology, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Türkiye
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Sequeira SL, Silk JS, Jones NP, Forbes EE, Hanson JL, Hallion LS, Ladouceur CD. Pathways to adolescent social anxiety: Testing interactions between neural social reward function and perceived social threat in daily life. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38801123 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579424001068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Recent theories suggest that for youth highly sensitive to incentives, perceiving more social threat may contribute to social anxiety (SA) symptoms. In 129 girls (ages 11-13) oversampled for shy/fearful temperament, we thus examined how interactions between neural responses to social reward (vs. neutral) cues (measured during anticipation of peer feedback) and perceived social threat in daily peer interactions (measured using ecological momentary assessment) predict SA symptoms two years later. No significant interactions emerged when neural reward function was modeled as a latent factor. Secondary analyses showed that higher perceived social threat was associated with more severe SA symptoms two years later only for girls with higher basolateral amygdala (BLA) activation to social reward cues at baseline. Interaction effects were specific to BLA activation to social reward (not threat) cues, though a main effect of BLA activation to social threat (vs. neutral) cues on SA emerged. Unexpectedly, interactions between social threat and BLA activation to social reward cues also predicted generalized anxiety and depression symptoms two years later, suggesting possible transdiagnostic risk pathways. Perceiving high social threat may be particularly detrimental for youth highly sensitive to reward incentives, potentially due to mediating reward learning processes, though this remains to be tested.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer S Silk
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Neil P Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Erika E Forbes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jamie L Hanson
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lauren S Hallion
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Hammoud RA, Ammar LA, McCall SJ, Shamseddeen W, Elbejjani M. Brain volumes, behavioral inhibition, and anxiety disorders in children: results from the adolescent brain cognitive development study. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:257. [PMID: 38575908 PMCID: PMC10996182 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05725-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have identified brain changes associated with anxiety disorders (ADs), but the results remain mixed, particularly at a younger age. One key predictor of ADs is behavioral inhibition (BI), a childhood tendency for high avoidance of novel stimuli. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between candidate brain regions, BI, and ADs among children using baseline data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. METHODS We analyzed global and regional brain volumes of 9,353 children (9-10 years old) in relation to BI and current ADs, using linear mixed models accounting for family clustering and important demographic and socioeconomic covariates. We further investigated whether and how past anxiety was related to brain volumes. RESULTS Among included participants, 249 (2.66%) had a current AD. Larger total white matter (Beta = -0.152; 95% CI [-0.281, -0.023]), thalamus (Beta = -0.168; 95% CI [-0.291, -0.044]), and smaller hippocampus volumes (Beta = 0.094; 95% CI [-0.008, 0.196]) were associated with lower BI scores. Amygdala volume was not related to BI. Larger total cortical (OR = 0.751; 95% CI [0.580;0.970]), amygdala (OR = 0.798; 95%CI [0.666;0.956]), and precentral gyrus (OR = 0.802; 95% CI [0.661;0.973]) volumes were associated with lower odds of currently having ADs. Children with past ADs had smaller total white matter and amygdala volumes. CONCLUSIONS The results show associations between brain volumes and both BI and ADs at an early age. Importantly, results suggest that ADs and BI have different neurobiological correlates and that earlier occurrences of ADs may influence brain structures related to BI and ADs, motivating research that can better delineate the similarities and divergence in the neurobiological underpinnings and building blocks of BI and ADs across their development in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rawan A Hammoud
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lara Abou Ammar
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Stephen J McCall
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Wael Shamseddeen
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Martine Elbejjani
- Clinical Research Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Baker AE, Padgaonkar NT, Galván A, Peris TS. Anxiety may alter the role of fronto-striatal circuitry in adolescent risky decision-making. J Affect Disord 2024; 348:238-247. [PMID: 38160886 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.12.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety disorders often emerge in adolescence and are associated with risk aversion. Risk aversion conflicts with the typical adolescent approach-motivated phenotype and can interfere with learning and contribute to symptom maintenance. METHODS We investigated the neural and behavioral correlates of risk avoidance in a diverse sample of adolescents (N = 137; MAge = 11.3; 34.3 % white, 22.1 % Latino, 20 % Asian, 14.3 % Black, 9.3 % Mixed Race) as they completed a task involving risky decision-making and response inhibition during fMRI. Voluntary cautious choice was compared to successful response inhibition to isolate the neural systems underlying the decision to avoid a risk and identify their relation to risk-taking and anxiety in adolescents. RESULTS Anxious adolescents self-reported more avoidance but demonstrated normative risk-taking on the laboratory task. Interestingly, they responded quickly during response inhibition but took longer to decide in the face of risk. All youth showed widespread recruitment of decision-making and salience network regions when deciding to avoid risk. The neural mechanisms driving avoidance differed based on anxiety such that left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) activation was linked to risk avoidance in adolescents with low anxiety and risk-taking in anxious adolescents, while striatal connectivity was linked to risk avoidance in anxious adolescents and risk-taking in those with low anxiety. LIMITATIONS This work is cross-sectional and therefore cannot speak to causality or directionality of effects. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the neural mechanisms contributing to adolescent risk-taking may function to promote avoidance in anxious youth, increasing vulnerability to maladaptive avoidance and further anxiety development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda E Baker
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, 502 Portola Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States of America.
| | - Namita Tanya Padgaonkar
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, 757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America
| | - Adriana Galván
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, 502 Portola Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, 757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America
| | - Tara S Peris
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, CA 90024, United States of America
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Golder S, Markert C, Psarros R, Discher JP, Walter B, Stark R. Two subtypes of compulsive sexual behavior disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1248900. [PMID: 38025451 PMCID: PMC10666180 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1248900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Models explaining addictive behaviors such as the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model emphasize the importance of reinforcement mechanisms for developing and maintaining these behaviors, including compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) as well as personal characteristics as vulnerability factors. This study aimed to determine whether there are CSBD subtypes distinguished by reinforcement sensitivity. We hypothesize that one subtype is sensitive to positive reinforcement (C+subtype) and one is sensitive to negative reinforcement (Ȼ-subtype). We calculated a cluster analysis with data from 62 patients with CSBD and tested differences between the identified clusters by t-test. The sample consisted only of men. Cluster variables were: the sensitivity to the Behavioral Inhibition and Approach System (BIS/BAS), the severity of depressive symptoms (BDI-II), the severity of Trait Anxiety (STAI-T), Sexual Sensation Seeking (SSSS), Thrill- and Adventure-Seeking (SSS-V subscale), Disinhibition (SSS-V subscale), Experience Seeking (SSS-V subscale), and Boredom Susceptibility (SSS-V subscale). Between-cluster differences were analyzed for Trait Sexual Motivation (TSMQ) and Sexual Compulsivity (SCS). The results showed a two-cluster solution with cluster 1 representing patients sensitive to negative reinforcement (Ȼ-subtype) and cluster 2 representing patients sensitive to positive reinforcement (C+subtype). No significant difference in symptom severity of Sexual Compulsivity between clusters was found. Cluster 2 showed higher Importance of Sex and a higher motivation to seek sexual encounters than cluster 2. We found a two-cluster solution regarding reinforcement sensitivity in patients with CSBD. This may have clinical implications regarding individual therapy by focusing on the underlying maintenance mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Golder
- Department for Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Charlotte Markert
- Department for Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior (CMBB), Phillips-University Marburg and Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Marburg/Giessen, Germany
| | - Rhea Psarros
- Department for Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Julian Peter Discher
- Department for Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Bertram Walter
- Department for Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior (CMBB), Phillips-University Marburg and Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Marburg/Giessen, Germany
| | - Rudolf Stark
- Department for Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior (CMBB), Phillips-University Marburg and Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Marburg/Giessen, Germany
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Benozio A, Cohenian R, Hepach R. Approach-avoidance orientations can predict young children's decision-making. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288799. [PMID: 37486904 PMCID: PMC10365306 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
When facing situations that involve risk and reward, some may focus on the opportunity for reward, whereas others may focus on potential risks. Here, we used an original set of pictorial scenarios to try and predict 3- to 8-year-olds' reward-seeking and risk-avoiding behavior in three decision-making scenarios (N = 99; Mage = 5.6; 47% girls). We found that children's reward-risk tendencies did not predict sharing behavior in a dictator-game 'sharing' task. However, they predicted children's monopolizing behavior in a dictator-game 'taking' task and their preferences between taking home a 'risky' or a 'safe' reward in a novel prize-preference task. Overall, using a set of original pictorial scenarios to assess individual differences early on in development now provides initial evidence that bridges individual differences and decision-making domains and exposes behavioral patterns that were thus far hidden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avi Benozio
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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9
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Letkiewicz AM, Kottler HC, Shankman SA, Cochran AL. Quantifying aberrant approach-avoidance conflict in psychopathology: A review of computational approaches. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 147:105103. [PMID: 36804398 PMCID: PMC10023482 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Making effective decisions during approach-avoidance conflict is critical in daily life. Aberrant decision-making during approach-avoidance conflict is evident in a range of psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, substance use disorders, and alcohol use disorders. To help clarify etiological pathways and reveal novel intervention targets, clinical research into decision-making is increasingly adopting a computational psychopathology approach. This approach uses mathematical models that can identify specific decision-making related processes that are altered in mental health disorders. In our review, we highlight foundational approach-avoidance conflict research, followed by more in-depth discussion of computational approaches that have been used to model behavior in these tasks. Specifically, we describe the computational models that have been applied to approach-avoidance conflict (e.g., drift-diffusion, active inference, and reinforcement learning models), and provide resources to guide clinical researchers who may be interested in applying computational modeling. Finally, we identify notable gaps in the current literature and potential future directions for computational approaches aimed at identifying mechanisms of approach-avoidance conflict in psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Letkiewicz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Haley C Kottler
- Department of Mathematics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Stewart A Shankman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Amy L Cochran
- Department of Mathematics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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Cardoso Melo RD, Schreuder MJ, Groen RN, Sarsembayeva D, Hartman CA. Reward sensitivity across the lifespan in males and females and its associations with psychopathology. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.112041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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11
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Margolis AE, Liu R, Conceição VA, Ramphal B, Pagliaccio D, DeSerisy ML, Koe E, Selmanovic E, Raudales A, Emanet N, Quinn AE, Beebe B, Pearson BL, Herbstman JB, Rauh VA, Fifer WP, Fox NA, Champagne FA. Convergent neural correlates of prenatal exposure to air pollution and behavioral phenotypes of risk for internalizing and externalizing problems: Potential biological and cognitive pathways. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 137:104645. [PMID: 35367513 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Humans are ubiquitously exposed to neurotoxicants in air pollution, causing increased risk for psychiatric outcomes. Effects of prenatal exposure to air pollution on early emerging behavioral phenotypes that increase risk of psychopathology remain understudied. We review animal models that represent analogues of human behavioral phenotypes that are risk markers for internalizing and externalizing problems (behavioral inhibition, behavioral exuberance, irritability), and identify commonalities among the neural mechanisms underlying these behavioral phenotypes and the neural targets of three types of air pollutants (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, traffic-related air pollutants, fine particulate matter < 2.5 µm). We conclude that prenatal exposure to air pollutants increases risk for behavioral inhibition and irritability through distinct mechanisms, including altered dopaminergic signaling and hippocampal morphology, neuroinflammation, and decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression. Future studies should investigate these effects in human longitudinal studies incorporating complex exposure measurement methods, neuroimaging, and behavioral characterization of temperament phenotypes and neurocognitive processing to facilitate efforts aimed at improving long-lasting developmental benefits for children, particularly those living in areas with high levels of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Margolis
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Ran Liu
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vasco A Conceição
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Bruce Ramphal
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Pagliaccio
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mariah L DeSerisy
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emily Koe
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ena Selmanovic
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amarelis Raudales
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nur Emanet
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aurabelle E Quinn
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Beatrice Beebe
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brandon L Pearson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julie B Herbstman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Virginia A Rauh
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Heilbrunn Department of Population & Family Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - William P Fifer
- Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA; Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nathan A Fox
- Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA; Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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Positive valence systems in youth anxiety development: A scoping review. J Anxiety Disord 2022; 89:102588. [PMID: 35691120 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2022.102588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Research on pathophysiological mechanisms supporting anxiety development in youth has traditionally focused on the role of threat systems. However, emerging research suggests that the positive valence system (PVS) may also play a strong and unique role in the development and maintenance of anxiety during childhood and adolescence. To better understand the connection between the PVS and anxiety, this scoping review describes current research spanning multiple units of analysis (i.e., self-report, behavior, neural circuits) linking child and adolescent anxiety and risk for anxiety to various PVS constructs (i.e., positive affect, reward responsiveness, reward learning and decision-making). After screening, 78 peer-reviewed articles and dissertations published between 1998 and May 2021 were included in a qualitative review. Though some consistencies in the literature were found, such as high neural reactivity to incentive anticipation in youth at temperamental risk for social anxiety and blunted positive affect in youth with social anxiety disorder, the literature is largely inconsistent. Inconsistencies could be related to the small number of similar studies, small and homogenous study samples, and variability in methodologies employed in this research. It cannot be confirmed whether findings linking PVS constructs to anxiety are unique to anxiety symptoms or better accounted for by co-occurring depressive symptoms. This review concludes with recommendations for robust future research in this area.
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Frontal Asymmetry as a Neural Correlate of Motivational Conflict. Symmetry (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/sym14030507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Motivational systems of approach, avoidance, and inhibition are fundamental to human behavior. While past research has linked approach motivation with greater relative left frontal asymmetry, many attempts to link avoidance motivation with greater relative right frontal asymmetry have been mixed. These mixed effects could be due to coactivation of the avoidance and behavioral inhibition system (BIS). Much recent evidence indicates that the behavioral inhibition system may be associated with greater relative right frontal activation. The current review examines evidence linking traits associated with the behavioral inhibition system with resting right frontal asymmetry. Other research links individual differences associated with the behavioral inhibition system with state changes in relative right frontal asymmetry. Moreover, activation of the behavioral inhibition system, but not activation of withdrawal motivation, increases greater relative right frontal asymmetry. Together, this work highlights the role of relative frontal asymmetry as a neural correlate in motivational conflict and helps to disentangle behavioral inhibition from avoidance motivation.
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14
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Yee DM, Leng X, Shenhav A, Braver TS. Aversive motivation and cognitive control. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 133:104493. [PMID: 34910931 PMCID: PMC8792354 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Aversive motivation plays a prominent role in driving individuals to exert cognitive control. However, the complexity of behavioral responses attributed to aversive incentives creates significant challenges for developing a clear understanding of the neural mechanisms of this motivation-control interaction. We review the animal learning, systems neuroscience, and computational literatures to highlight the importance of experimental paradigms that incorporate both motivational context manipulations and mixed motivational components (e.g., bundling of appetitive and aversive incentives). Specifically, we postulate that to understand aversive incentive effects on cognitive control allocation, a critical contextual factor is whether such incentives are associated with negative reinforcement or punishment. We further illustrate how the inclusion of mixed motivational components in experimental paradigms enables increased precision in the measurement of aversive influences on cognitive control. A sharpened experimental and theoretical focus regarding the manipulation and assessment of distinct motivational dimensions promises to advance understanding of the neural, monoaminergic, and computational mechanisms that underlie the interaction of motivation and cognitive control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie M Yee
- Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, USA; Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in Saint Louis, USA.
| | - Xiamin Leng
- Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, USA; Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, USA
| | - Amitai Shenhav
- Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, USA; Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University, USA
| | - Todd S Braver
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in Saint Louis, USA
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15
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Cardoso Melo RD, Groen RN, Hartman CA. Reward Sensitivity at Age 13 Predicts the Future Course of Psychopathology Symptoms. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:818047. [PMID: 35360134 PMCID: PMC8962629 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.818047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are numerous observations of reward sensitivity being associated with different psychiatric disorders. Nonetheless, most studies investigating this relationship have been cross-sectional. Additionally, current knowledge is fragmentary as studies often investigate only one disorder at a time. The present study addresses these gaps by investigating whether reward sensitivity at age 13 predicts the course of nine psychopathology domains (attention and hyperactivity, autism spectrum, reactive aggression, proactive aggression, mood, anxiety, smoking, alcohol use, and cannabis use) over a 14-year follow-up period. METHODS We used dimensional outcomes on 2,523 individuals over five measurement waves between ages 13 and 26 of the Dutch Tracking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS). Reward sensitivity was measured with the Behavioral Activation System (BAS) scale. The longitudinal associations between reward sensitivity and psychopathology were examined using growth curve analysis within a multilevel framework. RESULTS Reward sensitivity at age 13 was associated with changes in psychopathology over time. Reward sensitivity had a stable main effect on the future course of reactive and proactive aggression problems and anxiety problems. The effect of reward sensitivity increased over time for alcohol and cannabis use. Post-hoc analyses showed that reward sensitivity also had a stable effect on attention problems and hyperactivity and smoking when based on the fun-seeking subscale for both domains and when changing the informant who reported on attention problems and hyperactivity. No evidence was found for a longitudinal association between reward sensitivity and autism spectrum problems and mood problems. CONCLUSION The current study provides evidence for the long-lasting effects of reward sensitivity on the course of different domains of psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raniere Dener Cardoso Melo
- Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Robin N Groen
- Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Catharina A Hartman
- Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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16
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Fernandez-Leon JA, Engelke DS, Aquino-Miranda G, Goodson A, Rasheed MN, Do Monte FH. Neural correlates and determinants of approach-avoidance conflict in the prelimbic prefrontal cortex. eLife 2021; 10:74950. [PMID: 34913438 PMCID: PMC8853658 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The recollection of environmental cues associated with threat or reward allows animals to select the most appropriate behavioral responses. Neurons in the prelimbic (PL) cortex respond to both threat- and reward-associated cues. However, it remains unknown whether PL regulates threat-avoidance vs. reward-approaching responses when an animals’ decision depends on previously associated memories. Using a conflict model in which male Long–Evans rats retrieve memories of shock- and food-paired cues, we observed two distinct phenotypes during conflict: (1) rats that continued to press a lever for food (Pressers) and (2) rats that exhibited a complete suppression in food seeking (Non-pressers). Single-unit recordings revealed that increased risk-taking behavior in Pressers is associated with persistent food-cue responses in PL, and reduced spontaneous activity in PL glutamatergic (PLGLUT) neurons during conflict. Activating PLGLUT neurons in Pressers attenuated food-seeking responses in a neutral context, whereas inhibiting PLGLUT neurons in Non-pressers reduced defensive responses and increased food approaching during conflict. Our results establish a causal role for PLGLUT neurons in mediating individual variability in memory-based risky decision-making by regulating threat-avoidance vs. reward-approach behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Douglas S Engelke
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, United States
| | - Guillermo Aquino-Miranda
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, United States
| | | | - Maria N Rasheed
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, United States
| | - Fabricio H Do Monte
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, United States
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17
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Illescas-Huerta E, Ramirez-Lugo L, Sierra RO, Quillfeldt JA, Sotres-Bayon F. Conflict Test Battery for Studying the Act of Facing Threats in Pursuit of Rewards. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:645769. [PMID: 34017234 PMCID: PMC8129192 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.645769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Survival depends on the ability of animals to avoid threats and approach rewards. Traditionally, these two opposing motivational systems have been studied separately. In nature, however, they regularly compete for the control of behavior. When threat- and reward-eliciting stimuli (learned or unlearned) occur simultaneously, a motivational conflict emerges that challenges individuals to weigh available options and execute a single behavioral response (avoid or approach). Most previous animal models using approach/avoidance conflicts have often focused on the ability to avoid threats by forgoing or delaying the opportunity to obtain rewards. In contrast, behavioral tasks designed to capitalize on the ability to actively choose to execute approach behaviors despite threats are scarce. Thus, we developed a behavioral test battery composed of three conflict tasks to directly study rats confronting threats to obtain rewards guided by innate and conditioned cues. One conflict task involves crossing a potentially electrified grid to obtain food on the opposite end of a straight alley, the second task is based on the step-down threat avoidance paradigm, and the third one is a modified version of the open field test. We used diazepam to pharmacologically validate conflict behaviors in our tasks. We found that, regardless of whether competing stimuli were conditioned or innate, a low diazepam dose decreased risk assessment and facilitated taking action to obtain rewards in the face of threats during conflict, without affecting choice behavior when there was no conflict involved. Using this pharmacologically validated test battery of ethologically designed innate/learned conflict tasks could help understand the fundamental brain mechanisms underlying the ability to confront threats to achieve goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Illescas-Huerta
- Cell Physiology Institute-Neuroscience, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Leticia Ramirez-Lugo
- Cell Physiology Institute-Neuroscience, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Jorge A Quillfeldt
- Department of Biophysics, Biosciences Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Francisco Sotres-Bayon
- Cell Physiology Institute-Neuroscience, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
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18
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Jardim V, Verjat A, Féron C, Châline N, Rödel HG. Is there a bias in spatial maze judgment bias tests? Individual differences in subjects' novelty response can affect test results. Behav Brain Res 2021; 407:113262. [PMID: 33775775 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Judgment bias tests have become an important tool in the assessment of animals' affective states. Subjects are first trained to discriminate between two cues associated with a positive and a less-positive outcome. After successful training, they are confronted with an ambiguous cue, and responses are used for judgment bias assessment. In spatial settings, ambiguous cue presentation is typically linked with novelty, i.e. to yet unexplored areas or areas to which the animal has a low degree of habituation. We hypothesized that in such settings, responses to ambiguity might be biased by the animals' perception of novelty. We conducted judgment bias tests in mound-building mice phenotyped for their exploration tendency. After subjects had learned to distinguish between the positively and less-positively rewarded arms of a maze, a new ambiguous middle-arm was introduced. During the first test trial, more exploratory, less neophobic individuals displayed higher bidirectional locomotion in the ambiguous arm, indicating intensive exploration. Although this resulted in longer latencies to the reward in more exploratory animals, we conclude that this did not reflect a 'more pessimistic judgment of ambiguity'. Indeed, during the following two trials, with increasing habituation to the ambiguous arm, the direction of the association was inversed compared to the first trial, as more exploratory individuals showed relatively shorter approach latencies. We suggest that in spatial test settings associating the ambiguous cue to novel areas, results can be confounded by subjects' personality-dependent motivational conflict between exploration and reaching the reward. Findings obtained under such conditions should be interpreted with care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veridiana Jardim
- Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée UR 4443 (LEEC), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, F-93430, Villetaneuse, France; Laboratory of Ethology, Ecology and Evolution of Social Insects, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aurélie Verjat
- Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée UR 4443 (LEEC), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, F-93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Christophe Féron
- Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée UR 4443 (LEEC), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, F-93430, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Nicolas Châline
- Laboratory of Ethology, Ecology and Evolution of Social Insects, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Heiko G Rödel
- Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée UR 4443 (LEEC), Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, F-93430, Villetaneuse, France.
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19
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Interpersonal motivations in social anxiety: Weakened approach and intensified avoidance motivations for affiliation and social-rank. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.110449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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20
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Ludwig RJ, Welch MG. How babies learn: The autonomic socioemotional reflex. Early Hum Dev 2020; 151:105183. [PMID: 32971304 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2020.105183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human and animal research has long documented the negative effects of early traumatic events on long-term development and socioemotional behavior. Yet, how and where the body stores these memories remains unclear. Current theories propose that the brain stores such memory in the subcortical limbic system. However, a clear theory of change with testable hypothesis has yet to emerge. AIMS In this paper, we review the classical Pavlovian conditioning learning tradition, along with its functional variant. Then, we review calming cycle theory, which builds upon the idea that mother/infant learning is distinct from other types of learning, requiring a new set of assumptions in light of functional Pavlovian conditioning. CONCLUSION Calming cycle theory states that learning of behaviors associated with subcortical autonomic physiology is separate and distinct from learning of behaviors associated with cortical physiology. Mother/infant autonomic learning starts in the uterine environment via functional Pavlovian co-conditioning that is stored as conditional reflexes within the dyad's autonomic nervous systems. These reflexes are preserved transnatally as autonomic socioemotional reflexes (ASRs), which can be used to monitor mother-infant relational health. The functional Pavlovian co-conditioning mechanism can be exploited to change the physiological/behavioral reflex response. The theory provides a well established learning mechanism, a theory of change and a method of change, along with a set of hypotheses with which to test the theory. We present evidence from a randomized controlled trial with prematurely born infants and their mothers that supports calming cycle theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Ludwig
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 W. 168th St, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
| | - Martha G Welch
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 W. 168th St, New York, NY 10032, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 W. 168th St, New York, NY 10032, United States of America; Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 W. 168th St, New York, NY 10032, United States of America.
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21
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Netser S, Meyer A, Magalnik H, Zylbertal A, de la Zerda SH, Briller M, Bizer A, Grinevich V, Wagner S. Distinct dynamics of social motivation drive differential social behavior in laboratory rat and mouse strains. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5908. [PMID: 33219219 PMCID: PMC7679456 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19569-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice and rats are widely used to explore mechanisms of mammalian social behavior in health and disease, raising the question whether they actually differ in their social behavior. Here we address this question by directly comparing social investigation behavior between two mouse and rat strains used most frequently for behavioral studies and as models of neuropathological conditions: C57BL/6 J mice and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Employing novel experimental systems for behavioral analysis of both subjects and stimuli during the social preference test, we reveal marked differences in behavioral dynamics between the strains, suggesting stronger and faster induction of social motivation in SD rats. These different behavioral patterns, which correlate with distinctive c-Fos expression in social motivation-related brain areas, are modified by competition with non-social rewarding stimuli, in a strain-specific manner. Thus, these two strains differ in their social behavior, which should be taken into consideration when selecting an appropriate model organism. Laboratory rat and mouse strains serve as animal models to explore brain mechanisms underlying social behavior. Here, the authors describe differences in social behavior between commonly used rat and mouse strains, which may reflect distinct dynamics of social motivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shai Netser
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, the Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Ana Meyer
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, J5, 69159, Germany
| | - Hen Magalnik
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, the Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Asaph Zylbertal
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, WCE1 6BT, UK
| | - Shani Haskal de la Zerda
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, the Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Mayan Briller
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, the Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Alexander Bizer
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, J5, 69159, Germany
| | - Shlomo Wagner
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, the Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838, Israel.
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22
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Heffer T, Willoughby T. A longitudinal study investigating trajectories of sensitivity to threat over time and their association with alpha asymmetry among children and adolescents. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2020; 46:100863. [PMID: 33157502 PMCID: PMC7649451 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2020.100863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Research has yet to investigate trajectories of sensitivity to threat across childhood and adolescence. Further, neural associations of these trajectories remain unknown. The current 3-year study used a latent class growth curve analysis to investigate whether there were distinct trajectories of sensitivity to threat among children and adolescents over time (N = 363; age range at Time 1 = 8-14). We also examined whether alpha asymmetry (a neural index of motivational tendencies) was associated with the different trajectories. Results revealed three distinct trajectory groups (1) high-stable sensitivity to threat, (2) moderate-increasing sensitivity to threat and (3) low-stable sensitivity to threat. The high-stable sensitivity to threat group had greater right frontal asymmetry activation (i.e., greater neural avoidance motivation) than the other two groups. Additionally, females, those with higher parental education, and individuals with more advanced pubertal development (but not age) had greater odds of being part of the high-stable sensitivity to threat group compared to the other groups. Of interest, puberty rather than age may be an important indicator of heightened sensitivity to threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Heffer
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2S 3A1, Canada.
| | - Teena Willoughby
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2S 3A1, Canada
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23
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Jaramillo A, Williford K, Marshall C, Winder D, Centanni S. BNST transient activity associates with approach behavior in a stressful environment and is modulated by the parabrachial nucleus. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 13:100247. [PMID: 33344702 PMCID: PMC7739036 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies demonstrate a role for the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) in modulating affective behavior and stress-reward integration. To explore the dynamic nature of in vivo BNST activity associated with anxiety-like behavior in a stress-inducing context, we utilized fiber photometry and detected BNST calcium transients in mice during the novelty-suppressed feeding task (NSFT). Phasic BNST activity emerged time-locked to novel object or food pellet approach during NSFT. The parabrachial nucleus (PBN) has a large input to the BNST and is thought to function as a danger signal, in arousal responses and in feeding behavior. To explore a potential role for the PBN as a contributor to BNST activity in NSFT, we investigated whether chemogenetic regulation of PBN activity altered the dynamic BNST response synchronized to NSFT approach behavior. We found that activation of the hM3D(Gq) DREADD in the PBN enhanced the observed transient signal in the BNST synchronized to the consummatory food approach, and was associated at the behavioral level with increased latency to consume food. Because the PBN has multiple efferent pathways, we next used a transsynaptic anterograde AAV-based strategy to express hM3D(Gq) specifically in PBN-innervated BNST (BNSTPBN) neurons in male and female mice. Activation of hM3D(Gq) in these BNSTPBN neurons increased latency to consume food in female, but not male mice. To further explore the population of BNST neurons contributing to phasic BNST activity associated with NSFT, we turned to PKCδ neurons in BNST. BNST(PKCδ) neurons are implicated in stress and food-related behavior, and we previously found that the expression of this kinase is regulated in the BNST by stress in a sex-dependent manner. Here, we demonstrate close apposition of CGRP, a marker of PBN terminals, adjacent to BNST(PKCδ) cells. Finally, we find that PKCδ-expressing BNST cells exhibit a large transient signal synchronized to the consummatory food approach similar to that seen with bulk BNST activity measures. Taken together these data demonstrate phasic BNST activity at a global and cell-specific level that is driven in part by PBN activity at the time of NSFT consummatory approach behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.A. Jaramillo
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Dept. Mol. Phys. & Biophysics, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - K.M. Williford
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - C. Marshall
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Dept. Mol. Phys. & Biophysics, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - D.G. Winder
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Dept. Mol. Phys. & Biophysics, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Nashville, TN, USA
- Corresponding author. 875A Light Hall, 2215 Garland Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - S.W. Centanni
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
- Dept. Mol. Phys. & Biophysics, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Nashville, TN, USA
- Corresponding author. 865 Light Hall, 2215 Garland Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
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24
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Cromwell HC, Abe N, Barrett KC, Caldwell-Harris C, Gendolla GH, Koncz R, Sachdev PS. Mapping the interconnected neural systems underlying motivation and emotion: A key step toward understanding the human affectome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 113:204-226. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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25
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Poole KL, Anaya B, Pérez-Edgar KE. Behavioral inhibition and EEG delta-beta correlation in early childhood: Comparing a between-subjects and within-subjects approach. Biol Psychol 2020; 149:107785. [PMID: 31628975 PMCID: PMC6943939 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2019.107785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Heightened delta-beta correlation has been conceptualized as reflecting exaggerated neural regulation and has been implicated in anxiety. Behavioral inhibition (BI) is a temperament characterized by wariness to novelty and is a robust predictor of anxiety, but delta-beta correlation has not been investigated in relation to childhood BI. We examined the relation between BI and between-subjects (i.e., across participants) and within-subjects (i.e., across data epochs) measures of baseline EEG delta-beta correlation in 118 children. Using a between-subjects measure, children scoring high on BI had higher delta-beta correlation relative to low BI children at frontal and central, and marginally higher in parietal, brain regions. Using a within-subjects measure, continuous BI scores were positively correlated with central and parietal delta-beta correlation. Delta-beta correlation may be a neural correlate of BI in childhood that displays differences in region specificity, correlation strength, and variability of correlation values when comparing between- and within-subjects measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie L Poole
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Canada.
| | - Berenice Anaya
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, Canada
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