Directed motivational currents (DMCs) is a novel construct investigated by motivation researchers. Earlier studies on DMCs have focused explaining its unique nature while the individual difference (ID) factors impacting upon power and long-term sustainment has been under-researched. The aim of this research study was to reveal structural interactions among DMC dispositions, self-regulated strat...

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) appears to be important for processing both cognitive and motivational context information. Primate lateral PFC (LPFC) neurons are involved in cognitive context-dependent stimulus coding by responding differently to an identical stimulus according to the task situation. Such context-dependent LPFC activity appears to be supported by context-representing activity, obs...

The maintenance of goal-directed behavior relies upon a cascade of covert mental actions including motor imagery and planning. Here we investigated how cues imbued with motivational salience can invigorate motor imagery networks preceding action. We adapted the Pavlovian-to-instrumental (PIT) paradigm to explore this by substituting motor action with motor imagery. Thus, reward was contingent u...

A primer of the neural systems involved in social behavior across mammals is presented. Definitions of motivation and distinctions between proactive goal-directed (approach or avoidance) and reflexive consummatory behaviors are described. Interactions between the hypothalamus and mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system regulate goal-directed behaviors by influencing whether stimuli are processed across...