Salience network dynamics underlying successful resistance of temptation

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Rosa Steimke - , Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Humboldt University of Berlin, University of Miami (Author)
  • Jason S. Nomi - , University of Miami (Author)
  • Vince D. Calhoun - , The Mind Research Network, University of New Mexico (Author)
  • Christine Stelzel - , Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, International Psychoanalytic University Berlin (Author)
  • Lena M. Paschke - , Berlin Institute of Health at Charité (Author)
  • Robert Gaschler - , FernUniversität in Hagen (Author)
  • Thomas Goschke - , Chair of General Psychology (Author)
  • Henrik Walter - , Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Humboldt University of Berlin (Author)
  • Lucina Q. Uddin - , University of Miami, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (Author)

Abstract

Self-control and the ability to resist temptation are critical for successful completion of long-termgoals. Contemporary models in cognitive neuroscience emphasize the primary role of prefrontal cognitive control networks in aligning behavior with such goals. Here, we use gaze pattern analysis and dynamic functional connectivity fMRI data to explore how individual differences in the ability to resist temptation are related to intrinsic brain dynamics of the cognitive control and salience networks. Behaviorally, individuals exhibit greater gaze distance from target location (e.g. higher distractibility) during presentation of tempting erotic images compared with neutral images. Individuals whose intrinsic dynamic functional connectivity patterns gravitate toward configurations in which salience detection systems are less strongly coupled with visual systems resist tempting distractors more effectively. The ability to resist tempting distractors was not significantly related to intrinsic dynamics of the cognitive control network. These results suggest that susceptibility to temptation is governed in part by individual differences in salience network dynamics and provide novel evidence for involvement of brain systems outside canonical cognitive control networks in contributing to individual differences in self-control.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1928-1939
Number of pages12
JournalSocial cognitive and affective neuroscience
Volume12
Issue number12
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2017
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 29048582

Keywords

Keywords

  • Dynamic functional connectivity, Resting-state fMRI, Salience network, Self-control, Temptation