To organize previous findings, this study reviewed neuropsychological studies on the effects of reward on response inhibition. The evidence from these neuropsychological and physiological-psychological studies with healthy adults and children supports reward modulation of the inhibitory system and its developmental changes. The studies with children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), who had deficits in the reward system and inhibitory control, suggest positive effects of reward on ADHD and the significance of considering the characteristics of reward sensitivity among children with ADHD. Our review suggests the significance of exploring various neuropsychological mechanisms, including populations with diverse developmental stages, neurodevelopmental disorders, and other neuropsychological characteristics, to trace the path that reward takes to influence behavioral inhibition among individuals.
