While higher intelligence is known to be related to better self-control, Yale University researchers have for the first time identified the brain region that is key to this association.
Yale University researchers have for the first time identified the brain region that enables intelligent people to exercise better self-control.
"It has been known for some time that intelligence and self-control are related, but we didn't know why. Our study implicates the function of a specific brain structure, the anterior prefrontal cortex, which is one of the last brain structures to fully mature," said psychologist Dr. Noah A. Shamosh, who conducted the study with Jeremy R. Gray.
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While the subjects could get the smaller financial reward immediately, the larger reward could be received at a later time.
The participants then underwent a variety of tests of intelligence and short term memory.
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The researchers found that the participants with the greatest activation in the anterior prefrontal cortex scored the highest on intelligence tests, and exhibited the best self-control during the financial reward test.
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According to the researchers, greater activity in the anterior prefrontal cortex helps people not only to manage complex problems, resulting in higher intelligence, but also aids in dealing with simultaneous goals, leading to better self-control.
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"Understanding the factors that support better self-control is relevant to a host of important behaviors, ranging from saving for retirement to maintaining physical and mental health," the authors conclude.
Source-ANI
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