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
198493
Contact name
Ciara McCabe
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Readin
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). 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. Identification of aberrant neural responses to reward and aversion in mid-high HPS scorers could help indicate possible biomarkers for mania and bipolar disorder.
REC name
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SC/0221
Date of REC Opinion
4 May 2016
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion