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.
