Abstract
Antisocial behavior often involves frequent risk-taking, e.g. excessive substance use and criminality, which may lead to destructive consequences. In the present study, adults with a history of high-risk behavior (primarily drug dependence and conduct disorder) and matched controls worked on a novel laboratory task designed to measure risk-taking. The contingencies of the task were such that choosing a ‘risky’ response option resulted in a net loss of monetary earnings compared to a safer, more conservative response alternative. The risky option offered a low probability of a large monetary reward or a high probability of a smaller monetary loss. The non-risky option protected current earnings. High-risk history subjects chose the risky option more often, had lower overall earnings, and were more likely to persist in making (losing) risky responses following a single gain on the risky option. The data support theories of maladaptive behavior focused on hypersensitivity to reward and insensitivity to aversive events.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.