Goal-striving tendencies moderate the relationship between reward-related brain function and peripheral inflammation.

ABSTRACT: Inflammation is associated with both lower and higher activity in brain regions that process rewarding stimuli. How can both low and high sensitivity to rewards be associated with higher inflammation? We propose that one potential mechanism underlying these apparently conflicting findings pertains to how people pursue goals in their environment. This prediction is based on evidence that both an inability to disengage from unattainable goals and low interest in and pursuit of important life goals are associated with poor health outcomes, including inflammation. Accordingly, this study examined the relationship between reward-related brain function and peripheral inflammation among individuals with different levels of ambitious goal-striving tendencies. Eighty-three participants completed an

SUBMITTER: Chat IK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8075112 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature