Reward sensitivity and behavioural control: neuroimaging evidence for brain systems underlying risk-taking behaviour

• Risk-taking is characterised by engagement in behaviours that concurrently involve the chance of a beneficial outcome but also possible negative or harmful consequences.
• The interplay between reward sensitivity and behavioural control is central to risk-taking behaviour on both the conceptual and neural level.
• Variation in risk-taking is linked to altered brain functioning and development, individual differences, and, less clearly, differences between genders.
• It is the interaction between these trait and state factors that determines whether this vulnerability is translated into actual risk-taking behaviour.
• Neuroimaging evidence that these patterns of functioning and development impact ‘real world’ behaviour is still limited and warrants further research.
• Forensic practice and policy should look at cases in their specific context to identify relationships with behaviour, but also developmental processes, individual characteristics, and gender related differences need to be considered.