Reward deprivation

Reward deprivation, reward deficit or reward deficiency is a brain state in which a significant source of reward is missing. Reward deprivation results in behaviors in which the brain will seek new sources of compensatory reward. For example, a child subjected to maternal separation may show improved learning for the sake of pleasing its guardians in a quest to obtain rewards such as praise or warmth. A child subjected to limited freedoms in compulsory schooling may be more prone to addictions, e.g. videogame addictions or drug addictions. Similarly, an adult who operates in conditions of stress or learned helplessness is more likely to compensate reward deficit with food rewards, which may lead to obesity.

Reward deficiency might be associated with a reduced number of dopamine D2 receptors in reward circuits. Such deficit may come from genetic variations (DRD2 gene) or dopamine receptor downregulation (e.g. as a result of substance abuse).

For details see: Reward diversity in preventing addictions

This glossary entry is used to explain texts in SuperMemo Guru series on memory, learning, creativity, and problem solving

Figure: The figure presents the mechanism by which coercion affects mental health and well-being:

• Natural learning based on the learn drive is displayed in red
• Coercive learning based on school penalties and rewards is displayed in blue
• The effects of extrinsic motivation are displayed in orange (rewards and penalties as the same impact vector)
• The value of knowledge and knowledge streams on input is determined by the knowledge valuation network (e.g. orbitofrontal cortex)
• The value of knowledge is computed as an increment in the value of total knowledge as a result of complementing prior knowledge
• Knowledge in red is valued as "optimum good", i.e. of best value available (see: Optimality of the learn drive)
• Knowledge in blue is valued as of suboptimum quality and relevance (see: complexity, coherence, applicability, stability)
• Good knowledge in red activates "wanting", which is the basis of the learn drive
• Suboptimum knowledge in blue is marked as unwanted due to the competition from wanted knowledge
• Encoding of wanted memories results in "liking" (see: Pleasure of learning)
• Encoding of unwanted memories results in less liking or in "not liking" (see: Decoding failure penalty)
• Reward in learning helps the encoding and consolidation of memories
• Penalties in learning generalize to weaken memories (incl. wanted memories), and to weaken the learn drive
• Due to their impact on the learn drive, penalties in learning lead to a form of learned helplessness manifested as the loss of the pleasure of learning
• Reward deficit in learned helplessness increases the risk of addictions, depression, and other mental disorders (see: Reward diversity in preventing addictions)
• Extrinsic motivation (incl. rewards for learning) makes it possible to encode unwanted memories (with loss of coherence, stability, applicability, and more)
• Extrinsic motivation results in the override of the learn drive, suppresses encoding of wanted memories, and contributes to learned helplessness through the effect on wanting and liking