Srf jim gold

Is it possible to isolate specific processes that may be related to

difficulties in initiating and maintaining goal-directed

behavior?

Stimuli

42 Slide Sets

• 14 Positive

• 14 Neutral

• 14 Negative

International Affective Picture System

Lang et al., 2005

Experimental Procedure

Hedonic Value

No differences

The coupling of Value and Action

Patients showed less differentiation of neutral from positive and negative stimuli (p < .001)

Coupling of value and action

HCs showed better coupling of behavior to rating (p < .001) but patients show a specific deficit in the wanting condition (p = .04)

HNS patients are less influenced by certain differences in reward value.

HNS are less responsive to reward receipt in the 50% condition in terms of willingness to work on the next trial

Data suggest…

Patients have difficulty translating normal emotional responses into calibrated actions…

The “cost” of effort appears to be exaggerated, undermining goal-directed behavior.

Need to develop new treatment approaches to motivational deficits in order to enhance functional performance.