(PS8-C71) Domains of Valued Living Predict Reward Responsivity in Corresponding and Distinct Domains in a Nonclinical Sample

Valued living has been identified as a key target within acceptance-based/CBT treatments and has been associated with mindful acceptance, increased psychological adjustment, and decreased psychological distress (Hayes et al., 1999; 2013; Dimidjian et al, 2011; Vowles & McCraken, 2008; Wilson et al., 2010). However, there is limited research on the unique contributions of valued living within behavioral activation approaches and on the mechanisms underlying treatment outcomes (Rahan & Gon, 2020). Theory proposes that valued living may increase reward salience and/or responsiveness to rewards (Lejuez et al., 2011). This study investigated whether valued living in specific domains was uniquely associated with reward responsivity in the same or dissimilar domains.

208 undergraduate students completed baseline questionnaires assessing depression symptoms (Depression and Anxiety Stress Scales [DASS-D]) and valued living (Valued Living Questionnaire [VLQ]) and daily diary questionnaires assessing anticipatory (ARR) and consummatory (CRR) reward responsivity three times a day for seven days. VLQ, ARR, and CRR scores were calculated for three domains: Interpersonal (I), Self-Care (SC), and Educational/Work (EW). Linear mixed model (LMM) analyses were used to examine if baseline valued living predicted daily diary ARR and CRR in similar and dissimilar domains, while controlling for baseline depression.

Valued living across domains was largely predictive of ARR and CRR in similar domains (ARR-I: β = .16, t (308.91) = 6.88, p < .004; CRR-I: β = .011, t (408.77) = 4.93, p < .004; ARR-SC: β = .11, t (724.06) = 9.99, p < .004; CRR-SC: β = .010, t (797.39) = 9.15, p < .004; ARR-W: β = .05, t (461.58) = 2.77, p < .004). Valued living was also largely predictive of ARR and CRR in dissimilar domains. VLQ-I predicted ARR-SC (β = .13, t (716.34) = 9.33, p < .004) and CRR-SC (β = .11, t (801.03) = 8.43, p < .004). VLQ-SC predicted ARR-I (β = .11, t (300.55) = 5.81, p < .004), CRR-I (β = .09, t (399.46) = 5.45, p < .004), and ARR-EW (β = .04, t (465.91) = 2.61, p < .004). VLQ-EW predicted ARR-I (β = .08, t (280.28) = 3.09, p < .004), CRR-I (β = .07, t (407.74) = 3.04, p < .004), ARR-SC (β = .09, t (712.73) = 5.94, p < .004), and CRR-SC (β = .06, t (791.99) = 4.07, p < .004). Reward responsiveness in the educational/work domain demonstrated the weakest associations with valued living.

Findings demonstrate significant associations between greater valued living in specific domains and elevated reward responsivity in similar domains. Results also support a more generalized relationship between valued living across domains and elevated reward responsivity in interpersonal and self-care related domains, highlighting a potential mechanism of action contributing to enhanced clinical outcomes and supporting the clinical utility of values-work.