Differential modulation of cognitive control by approach and avoidance motivation

Abstract

The trade-off between proactive and reactive cognitive control refers to the dynamic regulation process by which individuals flexibly allocate cognitive resources according to task demands—representing a core feature of cognitive control flexibility. Previous research has shown that emotion can significantly affect this trade-off, but most studies have focused on emotional valence and arousal, lacking a systematic investigation into how emotional motivation influences the trade-off in cognitive control. Using the AX-Continuous Performance Task paradigm, the present study systematically examined the mechanisms by which different emotional motivations impact the trade-off between proactive and reactive control. Results showed that proactive control increased under both approach and avoidance motivation, as indicated by higher Proactive Control Index scores and larger CNV amplitudes than baseline. In contrast, reactive control improved only under avoidance motivation: behaviorally, avoidance enhanced BX performance, and electrophysiologically it produced a larger P3a amplitude than both approach and baseline. Approach motivation did not produce a reliable change in reactive control. These findings suggest that approach and avoidance motivation differentially modulate proactive and reactive control, thereby influencing the dynamic trade-off between cognitive control modes and revealing a regulatory process through which emotion may shape cognitive control strategy selection.