Resting-State Theta Oscillations and Reward Sensitivity in Risk Taking

Abstract

Females demonstrate greater risk aversion than males on a variety of tasks, but the underlying neurobiological basis is still unclear. We studied how theta (4–7 Hz) oscillations at rest related to three different measures of risk taking. Thirty-five participants (15 females) completed the Bomb Risk Elicitation Task (BRET), which allowed us to measure risk taking during an economic game. The Domain-Specific Risk-Taking Scale (DOSPERT) was used to measure self-assessed risk attitudes as well as reward and punishment sensitivities. In addition, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS11) was included to quantify impulsiveness. To obtain measures of frontal theta asymmetry and frontal theta power, we used magnetoencephalography (MEG) acquired prior to task completion, while participants were at rest. Frontal theta asymmetry correlated with average risk taking during the game but only in the female sample. By contrast, frontal theta power correlated with risk taking as well as with measures of reward and punishment sensitivity in the joint sample. Importantly, we showed that reward sensitivity mediated a correlation between risk taking and the power of theta oscillations localized to the anterior cingulate cortex. In addition, we observed significant sex differences in source- and sensor-space theta power, risk taking during the game, and reward sensitivity. Our findings suggest that sensitivity to rewards, associated with resting-state theta oscillations in the anterior cingulate cortex, is a trait that potentially contributes to sex differences in risk taking.

Sensation-seeking traits influence risk adjustment through reward sensitivity during dynamic risky decisions

“…However, further analysis of the time-frequency of 200-400ms power also proved the existence of FRN, especially in the FCz channel where the mid-frontal area activation could be generated by the anterior cingulate cortex related to reward processing. A recent study has found that the resting-state theta oscillations (4-7Hz) reward sensitivity in risk-taking and showed that reward sensitivity mediated a correlation between risk-taking and the power of theta oscillations localized to the anterior cingulate cortex [93]. Consistent with these results, we successfully found the correlation choice variability was related to reward sensitivity and neural activation during a dynamic EEG recording.…”

“…Consistent with these results, we successfully found the correlation choice variability was related to reward sensitivity and neural activation during a dynamic EEG recording. Also, Azanova suggested there could be a trait that potentially contributes to theta activity in risk-taking [93], which was explored in our study. However.…”

Adult lifespan trajectories of neuromagnetic signals and interrelations with cortical thickness

“…We also tested whether these trajectories differed between sexes, as males and females show divergent biological variations, for instance in brain volume (25,26) and functional network connectivity (27). Some studies report sex differences in MEG (28)(29)(30)(31) or EEG features (32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37) during or in absence of a task in various age ranges and frequencies. However, research efforts in this direction for the resting-state are generally limited.…”

“…We also tested whether these trajectories differed between sexes, as males and females show divergent biological variations, for instance in brain volume (Ritchie et al, 2018; Ruigrok et al, 2014) and functional network connectivity (Satterthwaite et al, 2015). Some studies report sex differences in MEG (Azanova et al, 2021; Fung et al, 2021; Hoshi & Shigihara, 2020; Taylor et al, 2020) or EEG features (Brenner et al, 1995; Clarke et al, 2001; Davidson et al, 1976; Kober & Neuper, 2011; Smit et al, 2008; Thordstein et al, 2006) during or in absence of a task in various age ranges and frequencies. However, research efforts in this direction for the resting-state are generally limited.…”

A Qualitative Review Of Annual Progress In Powerlifting Disciplines And Total Score

“…In this same regard, a team of Australian researchers found that powerlifting men had greater absolute and relative strength at the beginning of the competitive stage, but that gains in strength on a day-by-day basis was similar between sexes (Latella et al, 2020). Another hypothesis supported by numerous studies is that men may take more risks than women (Azanova et al, 2021;Byrnes et al, 1999;Pawłowski et al, 2008), in this case, in asking for increased weight to lift. With respect to the results of the youngest group of 14-18-year-olds, it is possible that the inexperience of female adolescents and young women in strength sports could be a considerable factor, outweighing the significance of their greater reluctance to take risks.…”