Electrophysiological markers of the motivational salience of delay imposition and escape

► Escape from delay reinforced shorter and less variable response times in an Escape from Delay Incentive (EDI) task. ► CNV amplitude was enhanced following Delay Escape compared with Delay No-Escape cues. ► The CNV difference between Delay Escape and Delay No-Escape conditions was associated with ADHD symptoms. ► Finally, LPP amplitude was enhanced when participants failed to escape delay in the Delay Escape condition. ► These findings suggest delay itself is a potent reinforcer and highlights the potential role for delay in inter-temporal choice.