Mixed
Individual differences in trait reward drive (BAS-drive) predict the magnitude of neural activation in the fronto-striatal-amygdala-midbrain network when viewing images of appetizing foods.
If you find yourself constantly distracted by food advertisements or packaging, it may not be a lack of willpower but a higher neural sensitivity to these cues. Recognizing this 'reward drive' trait can help you design your environment to minimize exposure to these triggers, rather than relying solely on mental discipline.
Our findings demonstrate that there is considerable personality-linked variability in the neural response to food cues in healthy participants... individual variation in trait reward sensitivity (as measured by the Behavioral Activation Scale) is highly correlated with activation to images of appetizing foods (e.g., chocolate cake, pizza) in a fronto–striatal–amygdala–midbrain network.
Why this rating
High-quality fMRI study with strong statistical correlations (r=0.80-0.89) and small volume correction, but limited sample size (n=12) and cross-sectional design.
Source
Individual Differences in Reward Drive Predict Neural Responses to Images of Food
John D. Beaver et al. · Journal of Neuroscience · 2006
DOI 10.1523/jneurosci.0350-06.2006
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