Mechanisms and Interventions of Social Reward on Cognitive Control in Internet Gaming Disorder

Cognitive control decline is a key factor in the long-term persistence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). The dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC)-dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) circuit serves as the neural mechanism underlying the maintenance of normal cognitive control function. Social reward activities have been shown to enhance the function of both the dACC and DLPFC. IGD patients exhibit reduced social reward sensitivity alongside diminished functional activity in these two brain regions. Our previous research found that psychological interventions aimed at improving cognitive control can alleviate IGD symptoms; however, individuals with poor social interaction still show limited improvement. Based on these findings, we propose the hypothesis that reduced social reward sensitivity in IGD leads to weakened functional connectivity of the dACC-DLPFC circuit, resulting in cognitive control deficits and exacerbation of IGD behaviors. Enhancing social reward is expected to promote functional connectivity within the dACC-DLPFC circuit, thereby improving cognitive control and mitigating IGD symptoms. To test this hypothesis, we will conduct the following studies: (1) Employing a combination of E-Prime behavioral paradigms, event-related potentials (ERP), and neuroimaging techniques to investigate the attenuated facilitative effects of social reward on cognitive control in IGD patients, and examine its correlation with reduced functional connectivity in the dACC-DLPFC circuit. (2) Designing a psychological intervention aimed at enhancing social reward sensitivity, to evaluate its efficacy in improving cognitive control and reducing IGD severity.