Open AccessBrain Structure Linking Delay Discounting and Academic Performance
Author(s) -
Wang Song,
Kong Feng,
Zhou Ming,
Chen Taolin,
Yang Xun,
Chen Guangxiang,
Gong Qiyong
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
human brain mapping
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.005
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1097-0193
pISSN - 1065-9471
DOI - 10.1002/hbm.23638
Subject(s) - delay discounting , discounting , psychology , dorsolateral prefrontal cortex , neural correlates of consciousness , association (psychology) , prefrontal cortex , intertemporal choice , functional magnetic resonance imaging , neuroscience , cognitive psychology , developmental psychology , cognition , impulsivity , econometrics , economics , psychotherapist , finance
Abstract As a component of self‐discipline, delay discounting refers to the ability to wait longer for preferred rewards and plays a pivotal role in shaping students’ academic performance. However, the neural basis of the association between delay discounting and academic performance remains largely unknown. Here, we examined the neuroanatomical substrates underlying delay discounting and academic performance in 214 adolescents via voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) by performing structural magnetic resonance imaging (S‐MRI). Behaviorally, we confirmed the significant correlation between delay discounting and academic performance. Neurally, whole‐brain regression analyses indicated that regional gray matter volume (rGMV) of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was associated with both delay discounting and academic performance. Furthermore, delay discounting partly accounted for the association between academic performance and brain structure. Differences in the rGMV of the left DLPFC related to academic performance explained over one‐third of the impact of delay discounting on academic performance. Overall, these results provide the first evidence for the common neural basis linking delay discounting and academic performance. Hum Brain Mapp 38:3917–3926, 2017 . © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.