Cognitive reappraisal modulates expected value and prediction error encoding in the ventral striatum

In addiction, loss of prefrontal inhibitory control is believed to contribute to impulsivity. To improve cognitive therapy approaches, it is important to determine whether cognitive control strategies can generally influence reward processing at the neural level. We investigated the effects of one such strategy—namely, reappraisal (distancing from feelings)—on neural reward processing in 16 healthy subjects by utilizing event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In a monetary incentive delay task, expected reward value (expecting to win €0.50 vs. €0.10) and outcome valence (win vs. omission) were varied. An attenuation of expected value and a modulation of prediction error (PE) coding caused by distancing were found in right vs. left ventral striatum (VST) in the expectation vs. outcome period, respectively. Distancing from reward feelings recruited a right hemispheric fronto-parietal network. Moreover, self-reported reappraisal success (decrease of feelings by distancing) showed a trend toward positive correlation with activation in the rostral cingulate zone and the lateral orbitofrontal cortex, both part of the regulation network. Our results expand upon recent findings by showing that cognitive control over reward processing impacts not only the expectation period but also the reward signals in the outcome period. Moreover, increased recruitment of prefrontal reflective subsystems might enhance deliberate control over both reward processing and hedonic experience.