Investigating Neural Correlates of Emotional Regulation as a Function of Age, Race, and Socioeconomic Status
Abstract
Older adults often show improved emotional regulation with age, a phenomenon known as the aging paradox. This age-related increase in emotional regulation capacity is attributed to enhanced prefrontal cortex control over amygdala reactivity. However, because racial discrimination and economic disadvantage cause chronic stress, typical age-related neural associations may be altered in marginalized groups. Using task-functional MRI data from 8,711 UK Biobank participants aged 50-78, we investigated whether age-related associations in emotion-related brain function, specifically amygdala activation and vmPFC-amygdala connectivity, varied across racial and socioeconomic status (SES) groups. We found that older age was associated with decreased amygdala activation, which is consistent with improved emotional regulation. Yet, lower socioeconomic status was associated with increased amygdala activation, suggesting heightened stress-related reactivity. No significant age-related effects on vmPFC-amygdala connectivity were observed at the population level. Black participants showed a stronger age-related decline in functional connectivity compared to other racial groups. These findings call for more inclusive and diverse neuroimaging studies to better understand brain health across marginalized groups.
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Research summary
The paper claims that lower socioeconomic status is associated with increased amygdala activation in older adults, suggesting heightened stress-related reactivity. This research is relevant as it explores emotional regulation in the context of aging and how socioeconomic and racial factors may influence brain health, which is important for understanding the complexities of aging and emotional well-being.
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