Research Areas

In my research I focus on (neuro)physiological aspects of the intrinsic value of effort. Contrary to the common assumption that effort is always aversive and people tend to avoid it whenever possible, previous research in our lab shows that sometimes effort can have an intrinsic value on its own. In my research I am specifically studying the potential motivational properties of such intrinsic value of effort and utilize methods such as facial electromyography (fEMG) and cardiovascular measures to test whether effort itself can be rewarding. Such understanding can greatly inform the current theories of effort-motivation and have potentially strong implications for interventions aiming at improving people’s effort-related experience and motivation. 

Key Publications