Reward-Related Neural Correlates of Antisocial Behavior and Callous–Unemotional Traits in Young Men

Abstract

BackgroundIndividuals involved in antisocial behavior often engage in excessive reward-driven behavior even in the face of severe punishments, including incarceration. However, the neural mechanisms of reward processing in antisocial behavior have not been examined while considering the heterogeneity of antisocial behavior and specific phases of reward and loss processing. In this study, we investigated the relationship among antisocial behavior, callous–unemotional (CU) traits, and neural activity during the anticipation and receipt of rewards and losses. MethodsA community sample of 144 low-income, racially diverse urban male individuals at risk for antisocial behavior completed self-report measures, a clinical interview, and a functional magnetic resonance imaging scan at 20 years of age. Neural response during the anticipation and receipt of monetary rewards and losses was linked to antisocial behavior and CU traits using a priori ventral striatum region of interest analyses and exploratory whole-brain analyses. ResultsAntisocial behavior, but not CU traits, was related to less ventral striatum response during reward anticipation. There were no significant relationships between neural reactivity and antisocial behavior or CU traits during reward or loss outcomes. Antisocial behavior was also related to less ventrolateral prefrontal cortex reactivity during reward and loss anticipation. ConclusionsThese findings support a hyporeactivity model of reward and loss anticipation in antisocial behavior. Lower striatal reactivity to cues of reward and lower prefrontal regulatory recruitment during reward and loss anticipation may contribute to maladaptive reward-related behavior found in antisocial behavior.