Anticipatory affect: neural correlates and consequences for choice.

Abstract in brief

• Anticipatory affect involves emotional states experienced while expecting important outcomes, and recent brain imaging advancements have allowed researchers to observe neural activity just before a decision is made.
• Key brain regions, like the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and anterior insula, show different activity patterns during anticipation of gains and losses, with NAcc activity linked to positive feelings and approach behaviors, and insula activity linked to negative feelings and avoidance.
• These neural patterns not only reflect emotional experiences but also predict decision-making, such as purchasing desirable items or avoiding overpriced products, highlighting how anticipatory affect influences choices through specific brain circuits.]