Is Avoiding an Aversive Outcome Rewarding?
Author Information
Author(s): Kim Hackjin, Shimojo Shinsuke, O'Doherty John P
Primary Institution: California Institute of Technology
Hypothesis
Does avoiding an aversive outcome activate the same brain regions as receiving a reward?
Conclusion
The study found that avoiding an aversive outcome activates the medial orbitofrontal cortex, similar to receiving a reward.
Supporting Evidence
- Neural activity in the medial orbitofrontal cortex increased after both rewards and successful avoidance of losses.
- Participants showed a significant preference for actions that avoided losses.
- Behavioral data indicated that participants learned to avoid aversive outcomes effectively.
Takeaway
When people avoid something bad, their brain reacts like they just got a treat, showing that avoiding bad things can feel rewarding.
Methodology
Participants underwent fMRI scans while performing a task where they could win or lose money based on their choices.
Limitations
The study's findings may not fully explain why avoidance behavior persists even when aversive outcomes can be completely avoided.
Participant Demographics
16 right-handed healthy individuals (7 females, 9 males; mean age: 25.81)
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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