Self-Control in Decision-Making Involves Modulation of the vmPFC Valuation System

TLDR

People routinely choose between higher‑value options and tempting but inferior ones, and optimal decision‑making requires self‑control. The study tests whether self‑control relies on a common value signal in vmPFC and its modulation by DLPFC. Participants performed real food‑choice tasks while fMRI recorded vmPFC and DLPFC activity. vmPFC activity reflected goal values and integrated taste and health in self‑controllers but only taste in non‑controllers, while DLPFC activity rose during self‑control and tracked vmPFC.

Abstract

Every day, individuals make dozens of choices between an alternative with higher overall value and a more tempting but ultimately inferior option. Optimal decision-making requires self-control. We propose two hypotheses about the neurobiology of self-control: (i) Goal-directed decisions have their basis in a common value signal encoded in ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), and (ii) exercising self-control involves the modulation of this value signal by dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to monitor brain activity while dieters engaged in real decisions about food consumption. Activity in vmPFC was correlated with goal values regardless of the amount of self-control. It incorporated both taste and health in self-controllers but only taste in non-self-controllers. Activity in DLPFC increased when subjects exercised self-control and correlated with activity in vmPFC.