But, how does this enhancement of signaling in the ventral striatum relate to behavior? In a follow-up study, Galvan and colleagues 16 examined the association between activity in the ventral striatum to large monetary reward with personality trait measures of risk-taking and impulsivity. Anonymous self-report rating scales of risky behavior, risk perception and impulsivity were acquired in her sample of 7 to 29 year olds. Galvan et al. showed a positive association between ventral striatal activity to large reward and the likelihood of engaging in risky behavior (see Figure 3) These findings are consistent with adult imaging studies showing ventral striatal activity with risky choices 84, 85.
