People often attribute differences in motivation to personality, upbringing or values. However, neurological research suggests that certain patterns of behaviour described as “laziness” may be rooted in how the brain processes effort and reward.
According to Professor of Neurology at the University of Oxford, Masud Husain, when particular brain systems malfunction, individuals who once appeared highly motivated can become pathologically apathetic.
The Role Of The Basal Ganglia
Studies in both animals and humans have shown that the basal ganglia link our needs and desires to our actions. When these structures do not function properly, individuals may fail to initiate behaviour, even though they remain physically capable of acting if prompted.
Professor Husain describes the case of a young man, David, who had previously been successful and active in his professional life. He suddenly lost interest in his work and social relationships, was dismissed from his job and reacted with indifference. He did not apply for unemployment benefits and relied on friends for accommodation, spending his days inactive.
Although initially treated with antidepressants, he did not respond to the medication. Further examination revealed that he had suffered two small strokes, one on each side of the brain, affecting the basal ganglia. Despite being able to carry out tasks when asked, he would not initiate them independently.
Research on individuals with severe apathy indicates that many do not experience sufficient reward from taking action. The effort required does not appear to justify the potential benefit.
Dopamine And The Motivation System
In some patients, medication that enhances dopamine function can restore motivation. Dopamine plays a central role in the brain’s reward system. While previously considered a chemical linked primarily to pleasure, more recent findings suggest it is closely associated with “wanting” and the drive to pursue outcomes perceived as rewarding.
David’s condition improved following treatment with a drug that stimulates dopamine receptors. His motivation levels increased, enabling him to find employment, regain independence and form a relationship.
Brain Differences In Healthy Individuals
Findings from clinical cases have also informed research in healthy populations. At the University of Oxford, researchers scanned the brains of students with contrasting levels of motivation, ranging from highly driven to markedly apathetic.
Significant differences were identified in brain regions associated with motivation. Interestingly, when asked to decide whether an action was worth the effort, the brains of more apathetic individuals showed greater activation in these regions.
One consistent finding is that apathetic individuals are less willing to exert effort when the perceived reward is small. Their brains appear to work harder to reach a decision, and the cognitive effort involved may itself be discouraging. As a result, they may avoid decision making altogether and default to saying “no”.
Practical Approaches To Managing Apathy
The research suggests that apathy should not be treated as a moral failing. Reprimanding individuals for a lack of motivation is unlikely to be effective.
One practical strategy is to establish a structured daily or weekly schedule. Planning activities in advance reduces the cognitive burden of repeatedly assessing whether each task is worthwhile. Ideally, some activities should hold personal meaning and provide a sense of fulfilment or enjoyment, thereby increasing the perceived reward.
Several studies have also demonstrated that physical exercise can positively influence apathy. Aerobic exercise three times per week for 40 to 60 minutes, dance classes or brisk walking may improve motivation, possibly through effects on the dopamine system.
External cues can also help prompt action. Smartphone notifications or visual reminders, such as placing running shoes near the door, may support behavioural initiation.
The broader objective of such interventions is to work with the brain rather than against it, drawing on insights into the neurological foundations of apathy. Understanding how the brain weighs effort against reward may help individuals move from an automatic refusal towards a greater willingness to engage.
With information from The Guardian