Modulating executive functioning: Trait motivational reactivity and resting HRV

Abstract

This study assessed relationships among individual differences in trait motivational reactivity, executive functioning, and neurovisceral regulation of emotion and attention indexed via resting heart rate variability (rHRV). We derived predictions regarding these relationships according to neurovisceral neural network theory. Because lower rHRV has been suggested as an endophenotype of less adaptive behaviour, low rHRV individuals were predicted to have high aversive and low appetitive trait motivational reactivity, while high rHRV individuals were predicted to have high reactivity in both appetitive and aversive motivational systems. These predictions were supported. Motivational reactivity also was related to executive functioning deficits, although the pattern of results was not in the predicted direction. Results suggest that trait motivational reactivity scores are related to visceral responses proposed in the neurovisceral integration circuit as well as in the modulation of these responses by higher-order cognitive control systems related to executive function.

The Effects of Psychobiological Motivational Traits on Memory of In‐Game Advertising Messages

“…According to Bailey et al. (), risk avoiders and risk takers are unbalanced motivational groups (high in one system and low in the other system). Bailey et al.…”

“…Bailey et al. () showed that the two unbalanced groups had lower levels of rHRV, indicating more difficulties in cognitive and behavior regulation, when compared to the balanced groups of inactives and coactives that are high or low in both systems.…”

“…The only significant differences were found between risk takers and risk avoiders, but a visible pattern occurred across the memory performance measures. According to Bailey et al (2015), risk avoiders and risk takers are unbalanced motivational groups (high in one system and low in the other system). Bailey et al (2015) showed that the two unbalanced groups had lower levels of rHRV, indicating more difficulties in cognitive and behavior regulation, when compared to the balanced groups of inactives and coactives that are high or low in both systems.…”

“…Previous studies suggested that MAM's ASA and DSA measures may be useful in predicting psychological, physiological, and behavioral variables, including change in resting heart rate variability (rHRV; Bailey, Potter, Lang, & Pisoni, 2015), sensation seeking, substance use (Lang, Shin, & Lee, 2005), and media preferences (Potter, Lee, & Rubenking, 2011). Lang, Shin, and Lee (2005) found that sensation seeking and substance use were highest for risk takers and lowest for risk avoiders.…”

“…A recent study (Bailey et al., ) examined the relationships among ASA, DSA, and rHRV, a physiological indicator of cognitive performance. The results indicated that rHRV was highest for risk avoiders, followed in order by risk takers, inactives, and coactives.…”