Paper Info
Title
Trait approach and avoidance motivation: lateralized neural activity associated with executive function.
Abstract
Motivation and executive function are both necessary for the completion of goal-directed behavior. Research investigating the manner in which these processes interact is beginning to emerge and has implicated middle frontal gyrus (MFG) as a site of interaction for relevant neural mechanisms. However, this research has focused on state motivation, and it has not examined functional lateralization. The present study examined the impact of trait levels of approach and avoidance motivation on neural processes associated with executive function. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was conducted while participants performed a color-word Stroop task. Analyses identified brain regions in which trait approach and avoidance motivation (measured by questionnaires) moderated activation associated with executive control. Approach was hypothesized to be associated with left-lateralized MFG activation, whereas avoidance was hypothesized to be associated with right-lateralized MFG activation. Results supported both hypotheses. Present findings implicate areas of middle frontal gyrus in top-down control to guide behavior in accordance with motivational goals.
Year
DOI
Venue
2011
10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.08.037
NeuroImage
Keywords
Field
DocType
Approach,Avoidance,Motivation,Executive function,Laterality,fMRI
Brain mapping,Developmental psychology,Laterality,Lateralization of brain function,Functional magnetic resonance imaging,Trait,Psychology,Cognitive psychology,Stroop effect,Frontal lobe,Middle frontal gyrus
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
54
1
1053-8119
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
1
0.40
17
Authors
7
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
jeffrey m spielberg1111.97
Gregory A Miller282.03
anna s engels3111.30
John D. Herrington471.22
Brad Sutton519927.18
Marie T. Banich680.86
wendy heller7111.30