Reward and Punishment Processing in Youth Exhibiting Externalizing Behavior and Psychopathic Traits

• In Event: The Neurobiology of Antisocial and Psychopathic Behavior: Evidence from Psychophysiological, Neuroimaging, and Brain Stimulation Studies

Abstract

Youth with externalizing problems and psychopathic traits exhibit extreme and chronic patterns of antisocial behavior. Individuals who display these characteristics and tendencies are responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime. It is believed that these individuals may have disruptions in reward or punishment processing, giving rise to problematic behaviors. In this study, we test the hypothesis that higher level of externalizing behavior would be associated with higher sensitivity to environmental incentives and reduced sensitivity to aversive stimuli. Preliminary data from a brain imaging study among a small group of adolescents (12-14 year old) will be reported. Functional brain imaging data were acquired during a conditioning paradigm (modified Monetary Incentive Delay task) in which participants learn to associate cues to monetary rewards or punishments. The caregiver reported adolescents’ aggression, delinquency, and psychopathic traits. We examined the neural activities in the brain regions underlying anticipating and the receipt of reward/punishment in relation to problematic behaviors. Implications for interventional approaches will be discussed.

Authors

• Yonglin Huang, The Graduate Center, John Jay College / CUNY

• Yu Gao, Brooklyn College, City University of New York