Reward sensitivity is negatively associated with future self-continuity: the mediation role of functional connectivity between the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex.

Abstract

Reward Sensitivity refers to individual differences in the perception, evaluation, and emotional response to potential or acquired rewarding stimuli. Future self-continuity refers to the degree of psychological connection, identification, and consistency that individuals perceive between their present self and future self. Although both constructs are known to critically influence intertemporal decision-making and self-control, the shared neurobiological mechanisms linking them remain largely unexplored. To address this question, we used voxel-based morphometry and resting-state functional connectivity analyses to investigate the neural basis underlying the association between reward sensitivity and future self-continuity. Behavioral results showed reward sensitivity exhibited a significant negative correlation with future self-continuity. Moreover, voxel-based morphometry (VBM) revealed that reward sensitivity was negatively associated with gray matter volume in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC). Furthermore, resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) analysis demonstrated that the functional connectivity between the dmPFC and the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) was positively correlated with reward sensitivity. Ultimately, mediation analysis revealed a positive indirect effect, indicating that this dmPFC-vlPFC connectivity acted as a protective neural factor in the negative relationship between reward sensitivity and future self-continuity. In conclusion, the current research offered novel insights into the impact of reward sensitivity on future self-continuity, advancing our understanding of this behavioral connection from a neurobiological perspective.