Willingness to Work and the Human Brain

Research now reveals why some people are willing work harder than others. A new brain imaging study has found that an individual’s willingness to work hard to earn money is strongly influenced by the chemistry in three specific areas of the brain. Said research also could have important implications for the treatment of conditions such as attention-deficit disorder, depression, schizophrenia and other forms of mental illness characterized by decreased motivation.

The study was conducted by a team of Vanderbilt University scientists, including postdoctoral student Michael Treadway, MA, and Associate Professor of Psychology David Zald, PhD. Results were published on May 2 in the Journal of Neuroscience. For more information, click here to read the full article.