Multiple dimensions of reward-sensitivity and cognitive control relate to psychopathology: an exploratory structural equation modeling approach

Introduction Abnormalities in reward sensitivity and cognitive control are observed in multiple psychiatric disorders. However, differences in measurement of reward sensitivity and cognitive control across studies have yielded mixed findings. Despite assumptions of convergence, the correlation between survey-based and task-based assessments of these constructs remains small. Methods In this preregistered study of data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study ( N = 11,875; ages 9–12 years), we examined relationships across these constructs and with psychopathology using exploratory structural equation modelling. Results We found evidence for multiple cognitive control and reward sensitivity factors with modest correlations. Cognitive control and reward sensitivity independently related to both Internalizing and Externalizing psychopathology factors two years later (β = 0.01 to |0.605|). Discussion Our findings highlight the utility of using multiple methods and raters to capture variance in reward sensitivity and cognitive control, showing they are multidimensional constructs each with unique relationships to psychopathology in adolescence.