Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
06:11
A Conflict Model of Reward-seeking Behavior in Male Rats
Published on: February 20, 2019
Neural response to reward and pathological personality dimensions
1Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-2500, United States.
Biological Psychology
|July 2, 2026
Summary
The reward positivity (RewP) brain response differs in individuals with internalizing psychopathology. Detachment traits correlate with a smaller RewP, while negative emotionality correlates with a larger RewP.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
Background:
- The neural response to reward is linked to internalizing psychopathology.
- Reward positivity (RewP) reflects reward sensitivity and reinforcement learning.
- Previous studies show blunted RewP in depression and enhanced RewP in anxiety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between pathological personality dimensions and the RewP.
- To determine if the RewP relates to underlying traits of internalizing psychopathology.
Main Methods:
- 496 young adults (18-35 years) completed the doors task with electroencephalography (EEG) recording.
- EEG measured the RewP, an event-related potential.
- Participants completed self-report measures of negative emotionality and detachment traits.
Main Results:
- Increased detachment was associated with a reduced RewP amplitude.
- Increased negative emotionality was associated with an enhanced RewP amplitude.
- Pathological personality dimensions showed opposing relationships with the RewP.
Conclusions:
- The RewP demonstrates distinct associations with pathological personality dimensions relevant to internalizing psychopathology.
- These findings suggest the RewP may reflect underlying personality traits rather than just current symptoms.
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