Working memory is a limited capacity, constantly updated, system that temporarily maintains and stores information and interfaces thought processing, perception and action (Baddeley, 2003) and suggested as the core cognitive element of higher order regulation (Unsworth et al., 2009). The negative correlation between the regulatory trait resiliency and neural function of the STN and pallidum during working memory suggests an association with flexible adaptation of control during cognitive challenge. The STN, as a key basal ganglia structure, has reciprocal connections with the pallidum as part of the thalamocortical pathway, and influences information processing within the basal ganglia and through projections to the frontal regions (Temel et al., 2005, Aron and Poldrack, 2006). The pallidum is considered the main output structure from the limbic system (Temel et al., 2005, Zhang et al., 2005).
