The Contribution of Neural Reward Signals to Development of Cognitive Control in Early Adolescence
Creators: name: Guo, Xukun
Publisher: name: Brandeis University
Year: 2024
Subjects: Adolescent development
Cognitive control
Neural reward signal
Reward sensitivity

description: Reward sensitivity and cognitive control are crucial for making wise decisions, but their developmental relationship during adolescence is not fully understood. The dual-system model suggests that these processes develop independently, whereas the imbalanced model claims that the robust motivational signals regarding reward provide essential inputs to build cortical-subcortical connections that facilitate cognitive control. The central aim of this study is to investigate the longitudinal relationship between neural reward sensitivity and cognitive control across adolescent development, by examining hypotheses corresponding to three research questions regarding adolescents from 9 to 14 years old: Does neural reward sensitivity predict cognitive control during development (n=915)? Does the development of neural reward sensitivity predict cortical-subcortical functional connectivity supporting cognitive control (n=1513)? Does cognitive control-related cortical-subcortical connectivity mediate the relationship between neural reward sensitivity and cognitive control (n=1207)? To answer these questions, we specified latent growth curve models and mediation models based on the longitudinal fMRI imaging and behavioral data provided by the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD Study) database. To quantify reward sensitivity, cognitive control, and cortical-subcortical connectivity, we focused on measurements taken at three time points from ages 9-10 to 13-14. Reward sensitivity was measured by the blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal evoked by reward anticipation and receipt during the Monetary Incentive Delay (MID) task. Cognitive control was measured by the behavioral performance during the Stop Signal Task (SST). Cortical-subcortical functional connectivity measures were derived from resting state fMRI scanning sessions. Two major findings were observed. First, individuals who maintained a relatively high level of right nucleus accumbens (NAcc) neural reward sensitivity showed faster improvement in cognitive control performance over time, which partially supported our hypothesis that the slope of reward sensitivity measured during reward feedback would be positively correlated with the slope of cognitive control. Second, a higher left NAcc baseline reward sensitivity during reward anticipation was associated with a faster strengthening of Frontoparietal network (FPN)-left NAcc functional connectivity, which partially supported our hypothesis that the intercept of reward sensitivity measured during reward anticipation would be positively correlated with the slope of resting state FPN-VS functional connectivity. These findings suggest that reward sensitivity significantly predicts the longitudinal development of cognitive control in adolescents. These findings enhanced our understanding of the adaptive function of reward sensitivity and helped differentiate between the dual system model and the imbalance model.