Neural mechanisms for formation of impulsivity and self-control in intertemporal choice behavior

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26350986
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Basic / Social brain science
• Research Institution: Keio University (2015-2016); Tokyo Institute of Technology (2014)
• Principal Investigator: Jimura Koji 慶應義塾大学, 理工学部(矢上), 准教授 (80431766)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 意思決定 / 前頭前野 / 腹側線条体 / 機能的MRI

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The current study aimed to elucidate neural mechanisms underlying formation of impulsivity and self-control in intetemporal choice behavior. During fMRI scanning, human participants performed an intertemporal choice task in which they first directly experienced delayed liquid rewards, followed by free choice trials. Formation of self-control was associated with temporal dynamics of anticipatory utility in the anterior prefrontal cortex (aPFC) during delay period, whereas that of impulsivity was associated with reverse dynamics in ventral striatum (VS). During consumption of delayed rewards, impulsive individuals showed greater activity in aPFC and VS and stronger functional connectivity from aPFC to VS. On the other hand, difficulty in decision-making was associated with prefrontal control mechanisms during choice.

Free Research Field

認知神経科学