Neurobehavioral Signatures of Sign- and Goal-Tracking in Emerging Adults: Translation of a Preclinical Model

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · Jul 22, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study is looking at how different people’s brains and behaviors respond to rewards and attention, especially in young adults aged 18 to 20. Researchers want to understand why some people are more driven by immediate cues or signs (called “sign-tracking”) and others focus more on their goals (called “goal-tracking”), and how this relates to attention, impulse control, and the way the brain processes rewards. This could help explain why some people might be more at risk for substance use or other behaviors.

To take part, you need to be between 18 and 20 years old, right-handed, able to give consent, and speak English. People with certain medical or mental health conditions, recent treatments for substance use, or MRI restrictions (like having metal implants or being pregnant) cannot join. If you join, you’ll likely complete some tests that look at your attention, impulses, and how your brain responds to rewards, possibly including brain scans. The study is not yet recruiting, but it aims to learn more about how personality and brain function relate to behavior in young adults.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 18-20 years old at baseline
• • Right-handed
• • Medically/physically able to give informed consent
• • English-speaking
• • Substance use is free to vary, but for participants with a history of substance use, ≥ 1 use of cannabis (including less than a full dose)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Acute or chronic medical or neurological illness (e.g., diabetes, epilepsy, migraine)
• • History of psychosis in self or first-degree relative
• • Current treatment for substance use disorder
• • Current or past 6-month treatment with centrally acting medications (not including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication)
• • Intelligence quotient (IQ) \< 70
• • Lifetime history of head trauma with loss of consciousness \> 5 minutes
• • Colorblindness
• • MRI contraindication (e.g., pregnancy, metal implants, claustrophobia) per protocol