Risky decision-making and delusion proneness: An initial examination

Meisha Runyon,Melissa T Buelow

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02767

Abstract

Delusion proneness is an individual-differences characteristic, existing on a continuum from no delusional thoughts to a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Previous research found individuals high in delusion proneness request less information to make decisions, potentially making a decision without sufficient information (jumping to conclusions). The present study examined risky decision-making as a function of delusion proneness. Participants (n = 102) completed the Peters Delusions Inventory to assess delusion proneness, and the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) and Game of Dice Task (GDT) to assess risky decision-making. Although no significant results emerged on the GDT, those scoring higher in delusion proneness decided more advantageously on the IGT than those scoring lower in delusion proneness. Exploratory analyses indicated no significant relationship between gender and task performance. The present study provides further insight into risky decision making as a function of delusion proneness.

Highlights

Decision-making deficits are seen across a variety of diagnosable mental health conditions, as well as in the general population as a function of individual differences factors such as impulsivity
No significant relationships were found between delusion proneness total score and performance on the Game of Dice Task (GDT) or either the earlier or later trials on the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT)
The present pilot study examined the potential relationship between delusion proneness, an individual-differences variable, and performance on two common behavioral decision-making tasks, the IGT and GDT

Summary

Introduction

Decision-making deficits are seen across a variety of diagnosable mental health conditions, as well as in the general population as a function of individual differences factors such as impulsivity. Existing between the two ends of this spectrum is delusion proneness, an individual-differences characteristic focused on the frequency and type of delusional beliefs (Peters et al, 1999). Individuals high in delusion proneness vary in frequency of the delusions, in turn leading to differing effects on the individual's life and potentially on decision-making tasks. With three characteristics of particular interest: conviction (strength of the belief), preoccupation (amount of time spent on the belief), and distress (effect on daily life) (Peters et al, 1999). Preoccupation, and distress can vary for each individual, just as frequency of the delusional belief varies

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Conclusion