The Role of VLPFC in the Link Between Low Self-Efficacy and Self-Protective Behavior

917 

Abstract Submission 

Jinhee Kim¹, Hackjin Kim¹

¹Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Jinhee Kim  
Korea University
Seoul, Republic of Korea

Hackjin Kim  
Korea University
Seoul, Republic of Korea

Self-efficacy, defined as individual's belief in their ability to achieve goals (Bandura, 2014), is recognized as a protective factor for mental health (Schönfeld et al., 2016). While empirical evidence suggests its role as a buffer against others' opinions, its underlying neural mechanism remains unknown.

This study involved 36 participants undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a reciprocal artwork evaluation task (Yoon et al., 2018). Each trial of the task included two phases: receiving an evaluation of one's own artwork from a partner and evaluating the same partner's artwork. Task-based fMRI data were collected using a 3-Tesla Siemens Tim Trio MRI scanner (the multi-band accelerated EPI sequence with factor 4, TR/TE = 1200/33.2 ms, 60 2.5-mm³ slices, approx. 20 min duration). Images were pre-processed using SPM 12, which included slice timing correction, realignment, co-registration normalization, and spatial smoothing with a 6 mm Gaussian kernel . A reinforcement learning model was used to analyze choice behavior influenced by social evaluative feedback. This model was used to estimate learning rates, trial-by-trial self-protection values, and signed prediction errors (PE), with the latter two being used as parametric modulators in the first-level general linear model analyses. Participants' self-efficacy trait was assessed using the general self-efficacy scale, and a whole-brain correlation analysis was conducted between neural parameters (i.e., PE and self-protection value) and the self-efficacy scores. Intersubject representational similarity analysis (IS-RSA) was used to explore multivariate neural representations of PE and self-protection value in relation to self-efficacy.

Behavioral results indicated that lower self-efficacy was associated with higher learning rates for negative evaluative feedback. The right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) encoded PE at the feedback receipt phase, and this encoding was linked to individual differences in self-efficacy. Specifically, individuals with high self-efficacy exhibited increased VLPFC activity in response to unpredicted positive feedback, whereas those with low self-efficacy showed increased activity for unpredicted negative feedback. Furthermore, IS-RSA revealed that individual variability in self-efficacy was reflected in the neural representation of bilateral VLPFC encoding PE.

In summary, these findings suggest that the VLPFC, implicated in emotional regulation, track different aspects of social feedback depending on individual differences in self-efficacy. This provides a neural explanation for the self-protective bias observed in individuals with lower self-efficacy in response to negative social feedback.

Social Neuroscience Other ²

Decision Making

Executive Function, Cognitive Control and Decision Making ¹

FUNCTIONAL MRI

Other - Self-efficacy; Social feedback