Neural and computational processes underlying dynamic changes in self-esteem.

Geert-Jan Will,Michael Moutoussis,Raymond J Dolan,Robb B Rutledge

doi:10.7554/elife.28098

Geert-Jan Will, Michael Moutoussis + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.7554/elife.28098

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Abstract

Self-esteem is shaped by the appraisals we receive from others. Here, we characterize neural and computational mechanisms underlying this form of social influence. We introduce a computational model that captures fluctuations in self-esteem engendered by prediction errors that quantify the difference between expected and received social feedback. Using functional MRI, we show these social prediction errors correlate with activity in ventral striatum/subgenual anterior cingulate cortex, while updates in self-esteem resulting from these errors co-varied with activity in ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). We linked computational parameters to psychiatric symptoms using canonical correlation analysis to identify an 'interpersonal vulnerability' dimension. Vulnerability modulated the expression of prediction error responses in anterior insula and insula-vmPFC connectivity during self-esteem updates. Our findings indicate that updating of self-evaluative beliefs relies on learning mechanisms akin to those used in learning about others. Enhanced insula-vmPFC connectivity during updating of those beliefs may represent a marker for psychiatric vulnerability.

Highlights

A positive sense of the self is the bedrock of mental health and well-being (Orth et al, 2012; Trzesniewski et al, 2006)
Our computational modeling results are consistent with people using prediction errors to learn what to expect from others and to update their self-esteem based on the outcome of these expectations
Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we show that social approval prediction errors (SPEs) correlate with activity in ventral striatum and the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC), while self-esteem belief updates are reflected in ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) activity

Summary

Introduction

A positive sense of the self is the bedrock of mental health and well-being (Orth et al, 2012; Trzesniewski et al, 2006). Low self-esteem is a vulnerability factor for a range of psychiatric problems, including eating disorders (Button et al, 1996; Vohs et al, 2001), anxiety disorders (Sowislo and Orth, 2013) and depression (Orth et al, 2008; Orth et al, 2009). Classical theories in psychology view self-esteem as an internalization of actual and imagined appraisals from close others across development (Cooley, 1902; Leary et al, 1995; Mead, 1934). Despite its importance for mental health, we lack a mechanistic understanding of how self-esteem depends on social evaluation. Using a novel social evaluation task, in combination with computational modeling and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we characterize computational and neural processes underpinning changes in self-esteem

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