Mediational role of hormones in incentive contrast

Abstract

Frustration can be defined as an emotional state generated by the omission or devaluation in the quantity or quality of an expected appetitive reward. Thus, reactivity to a reward is affected by prior experience with the different reinforcer values of that reward, a phenomenon known as incentive relativity, which can be studied by different paradigms to induce frustration. In this work we will focus on successive negative contrast, involving a downshift of the reward, and in the complete omission of the reward, a phenomenon known as extinction. Also, we will discuss the role of the neuroendocrine mechanisms involved in these processes. Specifically, we analyze the action of monoamines, adrenal and sexual hormones. Incentive contrast could be utilized as a model of clinical psychopathology where emotions and cognition could be assessed; and here we intend to show its utility using evidence from hormonal studies of incentive contrast.