Neural sensitivity to eudaimonic and hedonic rewards differentially predict adolescent depressive symptoms over time

Abstract

The pursuit of happiness and reward is an impetus for everyday human behavior and the basis of well-being. Although optimal well-being may be achieved through eudaimonic activities (e.g., meaning and purpose), individuals tend to orient toward hedonic activities (e.g., pleasure seeking), potentially placing them at risk for ill-being. We implemented a longitudinal study and followed adolescents over 1 y to examine whether neural sensitivity to eudaimonic (e.g., prosocial decisions) and hedonic (e.g., selfish rewards and risky decisions) rewards differentially predicts longitudinal changes in depressive symptoms. Ventral striatum activation during eudaimonic decisions predicted longitudinal declines in depressive symptoms, whereas ventral striatum activation to hedonic decisions related to longitudinal increases in depressive symptoms. These findings underscore how the motivational context underlying neural sensitivity to rewards can differentially predict changes in well-being over time. Importantly, to our knowledge, this is the first study to show that striatal activation within an individual can be both a source of risk and protection.adolescence | fMRI | depression T he pursuit of happiness and reward is an impetus for everyday human behavior and the basis of well-being (1). In the fourth century B.C., Aristotle distinguished between two aspects of well-being: hedonia (pleasure, desire) and eudaimonia (meaning and purpose, a life well-lived). Aristotle argued that optimal well-being is achieved through eudaimonia, whereas pleasure and desire can be harmful to human growth (2). Contemporary psychological research has continued to distinguish between eudaimonic well-being and hedonic well-being, (e.g., refs. 3 and 4), with empirical studies demonstrating the long-term benefits of eudaimonic pursuits and the sometimes detrimental effects of hedonic pursuits (e.g., ref. 5). Whereas the distinction between hedonic and eudaimonic rewards has received theoretical and empirical attention in adult work, we know little about how these two types of rewards are experienced during adolescence, a developmental period during which rewards take on particular salience and vulnerability for ill-being dramatically rises (6).Neural systems involved in the generation of reward processing undergo significant changes during adolescence, resulting in a greater orientation toward rewards (6). Adolescents, more so than children or adults, show heightened activation in brain regions involved in reward processing when receiving rewards (7). Although some types of reward-seeking behaviors may be adaptive during this developmental period (e.g., engaging in meaningful social relationships), other types of reward-seeking behaviors may be detrimental (e.g., engaging in health-compromising risk taking). Therefore, the ways in which adolescents respond to different rewards may have significant implications for their well-being. In the current study, we examined how neural sensitivity to hedonic and eudaimonic rewards differentially predicts c...

Harnessing adolescent values to motivate healthier eating

“…Instead, it offers an immediate symbolic benefit (and, consequently, eudaimonic reward) for resisting temptation: feeling like a high-status and respect-worthy person right now because one is acting in accordance with important values shared with one's peers. Previous neuroscientific research shows that adolescents are especially likely to experience an immediate feeling of reward, comparable to what one feels in response to positive hedonic experiences, when they are made to feel socially valuable (19). We suggest that the immediacy of this eudaimonic reward gives it the emotional and motivational power to compete effectively with the anticipated hedonic reward of succumbing to temptation (19).…”

“…Previous neuroscientific research shows that adolescents are especially likely to experience an immediate feeling of reward, comparable to what one feels in response to positive hedonic experiences, when they are made to feel socially valuable (19). We suggest that the immediacy of this eudaimonic reward gives it the emotional and motivational power to compete effectively with the anticipated hedonic reward of succumbing to temptation (19). This general approach might be effective at any age if the relevant behavior can be construed in terms appropriate to the target audience.…”

“…This phenomenon is instantiated by attraction to social movements such as vegetarianism or antiglobalization activism (17) and is tied to neural and endocrine system developments that heighten attention to unfairness (18) and create a greater concern for finding meaning in life (19).…”

“…But it can also manifest as a more general condemnation of societal unfairness and motivate prosocial action to address that unfairness (16). The opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the world beyond the self can create a powerful feeling of eudaimonic reward in the immediate term (15)(16)(17)19).…”

Reward Processing in Motivational and Affective Disorders

“…Although abnormal approach-avoidance behavior is common to all three disorders, depression and anxiety are associated with overactive avoidance of certain social and emotional situations (Trew, 2011;Caouette and Guyer, 2014), whereas CUDs may be associated with overactive approach of cannabis cues . Moreover, SUDs including CUDs and depression are both characterized by low positive affect (anhedonia) and abnormal reward responsiveness within various fronto-limbic brain areas (Koob and Volkow, 2010;Hatzigiakoumis et al, 2011;Elman et al, 2013;Morgan et al, 2013;Telzer et al, 2014). Interestingly, a recent PET study among 14 heavy cannabis users showed a link between anhedonia and reduced dopamine transmission in the striatum (Bloomfield et al, 2014).…”