The Structural and Functional Signature of Action Control

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Individual differences in self- and emotional-control mechanisms are significant in daily life.
• Kuhl's action-control theory describes these interindividual differences.
• The neural basis of action control differences remains largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neural underpinnings of interindividual differences in action control.
• To examine the relationship between action control and brain structure and resting-state connectivity.

Main Methods:

• Action control was measured in 264 healthy adults.
• Interindividual differences in action control were correlated with brain structure (amygdala volume).
• Resting-state functional connectivity (amygdala and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex) was analyzed.

Main Results:

• A significant negative correlation was found between decision-related action orientation (AOD) and amygdala volume.
• Functional resting-state connectivity between the amygdala and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex was associated with AOD.
• Higher AOD scores correlated with stronger functional connectivity between these brain regions.

Conclusions:

• Interindividual differences in action control, specifically AOD, are associated with amygdala volume.
• The functional network involving the amygdala and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex underpins action control differences.
• These findings provide the first evidence for the neural basis of action control variations.