Dynamic Functional Connectivity Between Amygdala and Cognitive Control Network Predicts Delay Discounting in Older Adolescents

Abstract

There is a spike in reward sensitivity during adolescence. Delay discounting involves subjective valuation of a reward in context of when it is gained. This study sought to assess if dynamic functional connectivity between the cognitive control network and the amygdala could predict delay discounting in adolescents and young adults. 448 participants were separated into three age groups, including younger and older adolescents and young adults. A sliding-window approach was used to calculate dynamic functional connectivity between the left/right amygdala and the cognitive control network. Hierarchical models were run for each age group to determine if dynamic functional connectivity could predict delay discounting behavior in two delayed amount conditions above and beyond age and sex. Results showed that dynamic functional connectivity between the left, but not the right, amygdala and cognitive control network significantly predicted delay discounting in the larger amount condition for older adolescents. No significant results were found for the smaller amount condition in older adolescents or either condition in younger adolescents or adults. Stronger dynamic functional connectivity indicated a preference for immediate rewards during a larger amount condition in older adolescents only.