Neural Foundations of Motivational Orientations

Approach–avoidance motivational impulses are the primary targets of self-regulatory attempts. This chapter provides a selective review of research on the neural bases of approach and avoidance motivation, with a particular focus on asymmetrical frontal cortical activity as much research has associated this neural variable with approach/withdrawal. Approach and withdrawal motivational processes likely involve brain systems and not only specific brain structures. However, the investigation of the dynamic unfolding of motivational processes within neural structures and chemicals has not yet been well investigated because of the difficulties of mapping these micro-processes over the microseconds in which they occur. As a result, in this chapter, we review research on brain regions that have received the most scrutiny by motivation scientists. One of the key functions of the amygdala is the determination of motivational relevance. The anterior regions of the nucleus accumbens are more involved in approach processes and the posterior regions more involved in avoidance processes. The medial areas of the orbitofrontal cortex appear more involved in approach processes and the lateral areas more involved in avoidance processes. The anterior cingulate cortex assists in resolving conflicts between motivational orientations. The left dorsolateral prefrontal region is more involved in approach processes and the right dorsolateral prefrontal region is more involved in withdrawal processes. To understand self-regulation, theorists must consider various sources of approach and avoidance motivation, the circumstances in which these motivations conflict with or enhance one another, and to what degree self-regulation is conscious.