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Related Concept Videos

Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System01:15

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The limbic system, often called the "emotional brain," is a complex set of structures located deep within the brain. The intricate network of the limbic system supports a wide range of psychological functions, from emotional regulation to memory formation and sensory processing. This functional brain region encompasses specific parts of the diencephalon and the cerebrum, integrating the higher mental functions of the cerebral cortex with the primitive emotional responses of the deep brain...
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Frustration occurs when people are obstructed or prevented from achieving a desired goal or fulfilling a perceived need. For example, when someone's input is ignored in a discussion, it can lead to feelings of frustration. Conflict, however, arises from opposing interests, goals, or actions. Conflicts can take various forms based on the nature of these opposing desires or goals.
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The amygdala is a small, almond-shaped structure responsible for processing and storing memories, particularly those linked to emotions like fear and stress. It plays an essential role in the brain's response to emotionally significant events and often enhances memory formation by triggering stress hormone release. The amygdala is vital for encoding and retrieving memories associated with fear or stress, a process that is adaptive by helping organisms avoid dangerous situations.
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Avoidance-avoidance conflict refers to a psychological situation where a person must choose between two or more unpleasant alternatives. These conflicts are particularly stressful because neither option is desirable. This dilemma is often expressed in sayings like "caught between a rock and a hard place" or "between the devil and the deep blue sea." For instance, individuals who fear dental procedures may find themselves torn between enduring a painful toothache or facing the...
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Avoidance learning and learned helplessness are critical concepts in understanding behavioral responses to negative stimuli.
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Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
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Amygdala in Action: Functional Connectivity during Approach and Avoidance Behaviors.

Joana Leitão1, Maya Burckhardt2, Patrik Vuilleumier1

  • 1University of Geneva, Switzerland.

Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience
|December 3, 2021
PubMed
Summary

The amygdala

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Affective Neuroscience

Background:

  • Motivation is crucial for emotion, driving approach and avoidance behaviors.
  • The amygdala plays a key role in appraising stimulus valence, influencing motivated actions.
  • Understanding amygdala's role in goal pursuit is essential for comprehending adaptive behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate amygdala functional connectivity during motivated behaviors.
  • To explore how amygdala connectivity relates to goal pursuit efficiency.
  • To examine brain mechanisms underlying approach and avoidance.

Main Methods:

  • Functional connectivity MRI was used to measure amygdala network patterns.
  • Participants engaged in a video game with varying goal conduciveness (good/bad monsters).

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  • Partial least squares analysis identified associations between amygdala connectivity and motivation.

    • Main Results:

    • Opposing motivated behaviors (approach/avoidance) correlated with distinct amygdala connectivity patterns.
    • Amygdala connectivity with medial prefrontal areas (OFC, posterior cingulate) linked to approach.
    • Amygdala connectivity with the caudate nucleus linked to avoidance.
    • Connectivity strength between amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex predicted efficient goal pursuit.

    Conclusions:

    • Amygdala-medial prefrontal interactions signal subjective event relevance.
    • These interactions may drive attentional, executive, and motor circuits for goal pursuit.
    • Amygdala connectivity supports adaptive goal-directed actions regardless of valence.