Self-control in decision-making involves modulation of the vmPFC valuation system

Every day, individuals make dozens of choices between an alternative with higher overall value and a more tempting but ultimately inferior option. Optimal decision-making requires self-control. We propose two hypotheses about the neurobiology of self-control: (i) Goal-directed decisions have their b...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Vol. 324; no. 5927; pp. 646 - 648
Main Authors: Hare, Todd A, Camerer, Colin F, Rangel, Antonio
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: United States 01.05.2009
Subjects:
Adult
Brain Mapping
Choice Behavior
Decision Making
Diet
Female
Food Preferences
Goals
Health
Humans
Internal-External Control
Linear Models
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Prefrontal Cortex - physiology
Reward
Taste
Young Adult
ISSN:1095-9203
Online Access:Get more information
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Summary:Every day, individuals make dozens of choices between an alternative with higher overall value and a more tempting but ultimately inferior option. Optimal decision-making requires self-control. We propose two hypotheses about the neurobiology of self-control: (i) Goal-directed decisions have their basis in a common value signal encoded in ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), and (ii) exercising self-control involves the modulation of this value signal by dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to monitor brain activity while dieters engaged in real decisions about food consumption. Activity in vmPFC was correlated with goal values regardless of the amount of self-control. It incorporated both taste and health in self-controllers but only taste in non-self-controllers. Activity in DLPFC increased when subjects exercised self-control and correlated with activity in vmPFC.
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ISSN:1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.1168450