RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Salience network dynamics underlying successful resistance of temptation
JF bioRxiv
FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
SP 129676
DO 10.1101/129676
A1 Rosa Steimke
A1 Jason S. Nomi
A1 Vince D Calhoun
A1 Christine Stelzel
A1 Lena M. Paschke
A1 Robert Gaschler
A1 Henrik Walter
A1 Lucina Q. Uddin
YR 2017
UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2017/04/23/129676.abstract
AB Self-control and the ability to resist temptation are critical for successful completion of long-term goals. Contemporary models in cognitive neuroscience emphasize the primary role of prefrontal cognitive control networks in aligning behavior with such goals. Here we use gaze pattern analysis and dynamic functional connectivity fMRI data to explore how individual differences in the ability to resist temptation are related to intrinsic brain dynamics of the cognitive control and salience networks. Behaviorally, individuals exhibit greater gaze distance from target location (e.g. higher distractibility) during presentation of tempting erotic images compared with neutral images. Individuals whose intrinsic dynamic functional connectivity patterns gravitate towards configurations in which salience detection systems are less strongly coupled with visual systems resist tempting distractors more effectively. The ability to resist tempting distractors was not significantly related to intrinsic dynamics of the cognitive control network. These results suggest that susceptibility to temptation is governed in part by individual differences in salience network dynamics, and provide novel evidence for involvement of brain systems outside canonical cognitive control networks in contributing to individual differences in self-control.