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Updated: Jul 24, 2025

Quantifying Social Motivation in Mice Using Operant Conditioning
Published on: August 8, 2015
Approaches to Studying and Improving Social Motivation in Schizophrenia
Lauren T Catalano1,2, Michael F Green2,1
1Desert Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Abstract:
Social motivation impairments, or "asociality," have long been considered a core clinical feature of schizophrenia. Although the prevalence and pervasive negative impact of poor social motivation is well-documented, our understanding is limited regarding causal mechanisms. Advances in definition, conceptualization, and characterization are needed to inform research aimed at understanding these mechanisms and developing effective interventions. This theme issue is intended to accelerate efforts to study and treat social motivation in schizophrenia by synthesizing the current knowledge and providing new frameworks to guide future research in this area.
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