Intrinsic connectivity networks underlying individual differences in control‐averse behavior

Abstract

When people sense that another person tries to control their decisions, some people will act against the control, whereas others will not. This individual tendency to control-averse behavior can have far-reaching consequences, such as engagement in illegal activities or noncompliance with medical treatments. Although individual differences in control-averse behavior have been well documented in behavioral studies, their neurological basis is less well understood. Here, we use a neural trait approach to examine whether individual differences in control-averse behavior might be linked to stable brain-based characteristics. To do so, we analyze the association between intrinsic connectivity networks as measured by resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging and control-averse behavior in an economic exchange game. In this game, subjects make choices that are either free or controlled by another person, with real consequences to both interaction partners. We find that the individual level of control-averse behavior can be positively predicted by intrinsic connectivity within the salience network, but not the central executive network or the default mode network. Specifically, subjects with a more prominent connectivity hub in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex show greater levels of control-averse behavior. This finding provides the first evidence that the heterogeneity in control-averse behavior might originate in systematic differences of the stable functional brain organization.

Temporal dynamics of resting EEG networks are associated with prosociality

“…While prosociality is clearly determined by situational factors as well 60,61 , recent research has demonstrated that there is a cross-situational and temporally stable individual tendency for prosociality 14,62 . The present study proposes potential neural traits affecting this tendency by uniquely revealing the temporal dynamics of resting EEG networks with millisecond resolution, thereby extending findings from research on the role of resting fMRI networks in prosociality 63,64 . It shows that an individual's propensity of how to engage the four resting EEG networks is associated with an individual's level of prosociality.…”

Visuo‐vestibular and cognitive connections of the vestibular neuromatrix are conserved across age and injury populations

“…34 It is likely that these areas do not specifically subserve vestibular processing, but rather contribute sensory input or perform integrative or output functions in concert with vestibular cortex, represented by PIVC, R SMG/PF, and 23c/CSv. For example, the posterior hippocampus has been associated with spatial localization, 59,60 whereas SEF is engaged in smooth pursuits and saccades 61,62 and R SPL/7m and cingulate areas 31, 32, and 33 have been identified as components of the salience, 63,64 central executive, 63,64 and default mode networks. 65,66 F I G U R E 3 Subgraphs in the adjacency matrix of connections common to all participants.…”

Neurocircuitry of Personality Traits and Intent in Decision-Making

“…The aCC in a circuit compelling the aINS and substantia nigra (SN) will also leave its imprints in decision-making processes stirring social behavior. Here, the aCC will play a role in the maintenance of the cognitive sets required for a task or interaction, influencing reaction to exogenous influences on one's freedom of choice [4,5,37].…”

“…Furthermore, connectivity between the vmPFC, INS, caudate and NAcc has been observed in prospective reasoning, or anticipation of future outcomes of decision, with reduced INS CTh being observed in individuals presenting reduced levels of empathy [33,58]. A completion of this circuit in the particular aspect of one's valuing of communal needs can be accomplished by adding the AM and aCC to this equation, with the dorsal-aCC playing an import role in controlling adverse behavior and resistance to framing [4,59]. These two ROIs have been linked to the identification of goals and behaviors aiming to serve self-well-being in a social group-often linked to survival in hominids and other social animals [33].…”

“…To avoid falling into the many pitfalls the investigation of this topic offers along the way, individual personality traits offer an alternative for argumentation and measurement, often clearly recognizable and partially described in behavioral studies, such as control adverse behavior and consideration for future consequence (CFC). While individuals with control adverse behavior tend to act oppositional towards exogenous control over one's freedom of choice [4,5], often leading to impulsive actions, individuals engaging in CFC are more prone to developing concerns about future repercussions, often finding themselves on the other side of this spectrum, where overly cautious conduct can lead to low daily discouraging rates [6].…”