Effect of Personality on Neural Reward and Aversion Processing
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effect of Personality on Neural Reward and Aversion Processing
IRAS ID
208354
Contact name
Ciara McCabe
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Reading
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Using a paradigm involving direct reward (taste of chocolate) and aversion (unpleasant taste), we have shown that it is possible to delineate different neural systems representing reward and aversion using functional neuroimaging and we have recently adapted the task to separate anticipatory, effort and consummatory stages. We have previously used our model to examine reward and aversion processing in those who are thought to have reduced neural responses to reward and a dopamine-deficient system, for example in people at risk of depression (McCabe, Woffindale, Harmer, & Cowen, 2012). We have also looked at how pharmacological manipulations effect reward and aversion processing (McCabe , Mishor, Cowen & Harmer, 2010; Dean, Horndasch, Giannopoulos & McCabe, in press). To date, however, we have not used our model to examine reward and aversion processing in those who are thought to have hyperactive responses to reward and hyperdopaminergia, such as in hypo/mania and bipolar disorder.
The reward hypersensitivity model suggests that hypo/mania is characterised by hyperactive responses to goal and reward related cues, resulting in heightened reward seeking and goal pursuit, and may be the result of excessive dopamine (Cookson, 2013; Nusslock; Young & Damme, 2014; Whitton, Treadway & Pizzagalli, 2014). Individuals who are considered to have a hypomanic personality are thought to be at increased risk of experiencing mania and bipolar disorders (Meyer & Hautzinger, 2003; Alloy et al., 2015).
The main aim of this project is to examine reward and aversion processing in people who score mid-high on the hypomanic personality scale (HPS), compared to those who score low on the HPS, using brain imaging and behavioural testing. Given that hypo/mania is thought to be associated with hyperdopaminergia, this study will not only inform our understanding of how a hypomanic personality can affect reward and aversion processing (both in the brain and behaviourally), but may also have implications for the effects of dopamine on reward and aversion processing. Further, identification of aberrant neural responses to reward and aversion in mid-high HPS scorers might help indicate possible risk factors for developing mania and bipolar disorder, which could help inform future developments of preventative strategies.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SC/0348
Date of REC Opinion
17 Aug 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion