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Aesthetic chills modulate reward learning in anhedonic depression.

Authors :
Jain, Abhinandan
Schoeller, Felix
Esfand, Shiba
Duda, Jessica
Null, Kaylee
Reggente, Nicco
Pizzagalli, Diego A.
Maes, Pattie
Source :
Journal of Affective Disorders. Feb2025, Vol. 370, p9-17. 9p.
Publication Year :
2025

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the potential of experiencing aesthetic chills to enhance reward learning in individuals with elevated depressive symptoms, specifically anhedonia, by investigating the effect of chills on participants' ability to modulate behavior as a function of rewards. A total of 103 participants with elevated depressive symptoms took part in the experiment. Among them, 59 participants had depressive symptoms (BDI ≥ 20), with 26 classified as "High Anhedonic" (HA) and 33 as "Low Anhedonic" (LA). Additionally, 39 participants without elevated depressive symptoms (BDI < 20 and SHAPs <32) were included as the control group. We utilized ChillsDB, an open-source database of validated audiovisual stimuli known to elicit chills in the US population. Anhedonic participants who experienced chills demonstrated a significant increase in response bias (p =.004) towards rewards compared to those who did not experience chills. Highlighting specificity, no significant difference in reward bias was observed among LA participants. These findings suggest that the experience of chills has the potential to impact reward learning in anhedonic individuals, aligning with the known neurobiology of this phenomenon. These results highlight the potential of aesthetic chills as a novel approach to elicit and enhance positive affect in depressed populations. • The study investigates whether aesthetic chills can enhance reward learning in individuals with anhedonic depression. • 103 participants completed the probabilistic reward task (PRT) before and after viewing videos to elicit chills. • High anhedonic participants who experienced chills showed improved reward learning post-exposure. • Chills exposure correlated with elevated positive emotions (valence/arousal) in high anhedonic participants. • Findings suggest chills may temporarily boost reward processing and positive affect in anhedonic individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
01650327
Volume :
370
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Journal of Affective Disorders
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
181487993
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.10.038