Seeing the bigger picture: Endorphins mediate attentional broadening after reward receipt (PREPRINT) (Updated September 12, 2024).

A preprint abstract discusses a study that explores the role of beta-endorphins, neuropeptides released during pleasurable experiences, in mediating attentional broadening after receiving a reward. The study used a placebo-controlled cross-over design with forty volunteers and found that attentional broadening observed after reward receipt was eliminated when opioid receptors were blocked. The study suggests that endogenous opioids play a specific role in attentional breadth and may enhance cognitive flexibility and resilience through natural positive experiences. The hypotheses, methods, and analyses were preregistered, and all data and analysis scripts are publicly available. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]