In spite of over two decades of research on the brain bases of affective and motivational states, the organization of brain systems underlying affect remains largely unknown. Many small studies have produced an aggregation of findings, and these have been grouped into reliable ‘hot spots’ for affect and emotion via meta-analysis.
However, it remains unclear whether particular brain measures can be developed that are sensitive and specific for particular domains of affect, and more broadly what constitutes domains that are respected by the brain. Therefore, developing models aligned with multiple ontologies, and testing their sensitivity and specificity, could yield a new generation of human neuromarkers for affective and motivational processes. These could serve as mechanistic targets for translational use, tracking patient progression over time and evaluating treatments. Ultimately, this approach could also produce more meaningful, biologically grounded classifications of clinical symptoms and brain-based disorders.