Differential brain activation according to chronic social reward frustration

Abstract

Neural correlates of reward frustration are increasingly studied in humans. In line with prediction error theory, omission of an expected reward is associated with relative decreases of cerebral activation in dopaminergic brain areas. We investigated whether a history of chronic work-related reward frustration influences this reward-dependent activation pattern by means of functional magnetic resonance imaging. Solving arithmetic tasks was followed by either monetary reward or omission of reward. Hyperactivations in the medial prefrontal, anterior cingulate and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex were observed in a group of healthy adults with high susceptibility to reward frustration as compared with a group with low susceptibility. Findings indicate a compromised ability of adapting brain activation among those suffering form chronic social reward frustration.

Altered intrinsic functional connectivity of the cingulate cortex in children with severe temper outbursts

“…For example, adults with high trait aggression exhibit decreased activation of dorsal ACC in response to frustration (Pawliczek et al, 2013) while children (ages 6–9) with clinically significant irritability exhibit similar decreases in activation in a more rostral region of dorsal ACC (Perlman et al, 2015). Alternatively, decreased responding in a similar region of the ACC has been observed in a non-clinical sample of adults with high susceptibility to frustration (Siegrist et al, 2005). Finally, in a magnetoencephalography (MEG) study, a similar, but older, sample (ages 8–17) to that presented here (ages 5–9.9), showed increased activity of rostral ACC, along with higher ratings of agitation and sadness, in response to negative feedback, compared to healthy controls (Rich et al, 2011).…”

Effort–reward imbalance and relational injustice at work predict sickness absence: The Whitehall II study

“…So far, the mechanisms underlying these associations have not been fully explored, although recent experimental evidence on reward frustration and unfairness suggests that, in addition to reduced motivation and commitment, an enhanced activation occurs in those parts of the brain reward system that trigger recurrent stress reactions in the organism [35,36]. Other plausible mechanisms include alterations in autonomic functioning, inflammatory, or immune responses [37,38], for example, impaired host resistance increasing the likelihood of common cold [39]; sleep disturbances [40,41]; and unfavourable life style changes that contribute to morbidity.…”

Work stress and health risk behavior

“…Susceptibility to reward frustration was measured by scores on the scales assessing effort-reward imbalance at work (76). The findings suggested that exposure to chronic frustration after effort compromises the adaptive responsiveness of parts of the cortical system to received or omitted rewards.…”