Impulsive Decision Research Articles

Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Self-Cutting Behavior Among Adolescents at First Contact with the Juvenile Court

Adolescents involved in juvenile legal system are at increased risk for self-cutting behavior, however, correlates associated with elevated risk remain underresearched, particularly among youth with first involvement with the court. This study utilized an epidemiological two-year longitudinal study involving 401 adolescents at first contact with the court (Mage = 14.47; SDage = 1.94 years; 43% female; 42% Latinx/Hispanic) and an involved caregiver. Study aims examined key prospective psychosocial correlates of self-cutting behavior. Baseline assessments captured individual and family level risk and protective factors; self-cutting behavior was assessed longitudinally every four months post-baseline for 24 months. Psychosocial correlates of self-cutting behavior included adolescent affect dysregulation, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, impulsive decision making, anxiety and depression symptoms. Significant protective factors included positive communication with caregiver and family, higher self-esteem, and having a caring and supportive family. These findings suggest that internalizing symptoms as well as difficulties with emotion regulation and impulsive decision making are correlated with heightened risk for self-cutting behavior among adolescents involved in the juvenile legal system. The findings also suggest that individual and family level protective factors, like positive communication and a supportive family, are associated with decreased risk for self-cutting behavior among adolescents at first contact with the court.

Impaired decision-making in borderline personality disorder.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex mental disorder with core symptoms like interpersonal instability, emotion dysregulation, self-harm, and impulsive decision-making. Previous neuropsychological studies have found impairment in the decision-making of patients with BPD related to impulsivity. In our study, we focus on a better, more nuanced understanding of impulsive decision-making in BPD with the help of Rogers' decision-making test that simulates a gambling situation. A novelty of our study is that we excluded from further analysis non-compliant participants based on their performance. Outlier participants on the measures proportion of good choices and average of wager choice number were filtered out to represent the population that understood the basic premise of the task and showed minimal motivation to gain rewards. Thus participants often choosing the less likely color or frequently choosing the first bet amount available (to probably speed up the test) were omitted from further analysis. Another novelty is that we assessed and reported six variables that examine Deliberation Time, Quality of Decision, Risk-taking, Overall proportion bet, Delay aversion, and Risk adjustment. Forty-three women with BPD participated in the study, and 16 non-compliant were excluded. As for the healthy control group, 42 women participated in the study, and four non-compliant were excluded. Thus, we compared the data of 27 patients with BPD with 38 healthy controls. Our results show that there are significant differences amongst the groups regarding the Quality of Decision Making (F (1,63) = 5.801, p = 0.019) and Risk Adjustment (F (1,63) = 6.522, p = 0.013). We also found significant interactions between group and winning probability regarding Risk Taking (F (4,252) = 4.765 p = 0.001) and Overall proportion of bets, i.e., the average proportion of bets relative to the total score of the subject (F (4,252) = 4.505, p = 0.002). Our results show that the two groups use different decision-making strategies that can have various associations with everyday life situations.

Gender-specific resting-state rDMPFC-centric functional connectivity underpinnings of intertemporal choice.

Although studies have observed gender differences in intertemporal choice, the neural bases of these differences require further research. The current study used resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) to explore the gender-specific neural basis of intertemporal choice in three independent samples (n1 = 86, n2 = 297, n3 = 172). Behaviorally, three samples (S1, S2, and S3) consistently demonstrated that men had larger delay discounting rate (log k) than women. Then, whole-brain functional connectivity analyses were performed for different genders in S2 and S3 using the right dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (rDMPFC) as a region of interest. By subtracting the common rsFC patterns of different genders, we identified gender-specific log k-related rsFC patterns with significant gender differences in S2. This was verified in an independent sample (S3). Specifically, in women, log k was found to be positively correlated with the rsFC between rDMPFC and anterior cingulate cortex/right orbitofrontal cortex. In contrast, in men, log k was negatively correlated with rsFC between rDMPFC and left orbitofrontal cortex/right precuneus. These gender differences were confirmed by slope tests. The findings highlight how gender may differ when engaging in intertemporal choice. They improve the understanding of gender differences in decision impulsivity and its underlying neural bases.

Brain responses to decision-making in easy and hard choices in internet gaming disorder: Implications for irrepressible gaming behaviours

BackgroundImpaired decision-making was observed in internet gaming disorder (IGD), however, these studies did not differentiate ‘hard’ to ‘easy’ decisions, and only the ‘hard’ decision-making could reveal the mechanism underlying this issue. MethodsWe recruited forty-eight individuals with IGD and forty-six recreational internet game users (RGUs) as a control group in this study. fMRI data were collected when they were finishing a value-matching delayed discount task (DDT), which included easy and hard decisions judging based on the indifference points of every participant. The correlations between brain responses during DDT and IGD severity and the effective connectivity between brain regions were calculated. ResultsCompared to RGUs, IGD subjects showed enhanced activation in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) when facing hard choices, and this feature was associated with IGD severity. In addition, individuals with IGD showed increased effective connectivity from the OFC to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the OFC to the occipital lobe and decreased effective connectivity from the occipital lobe to the OFC. ConclusionThe current study showed that the abnormal activation in the OFC was associated with IGD severity and higher OFC-DLPFC/OFC-occipital lobe effective connectivity and lower occipital lobe-OFC effective connectivity when individuals with IGD faced different choices in the DDT. These findings suggest the neural mechanisms of impulsive decision-making in individuals with IGD due to dysfunction with subjective evaluation and dysfunction of the connection with the executive control system.

The Influence of E-commerce Sites Pops Up Advertisements Over Youngsters

Objective: This study explores the influence of pop-up advertisements on youngsters' purchases, focusing on how these ads on webpages determine purchase intent. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of pop-up ads in creating awareness, enhancing recall, and ultimately driving impulsive buying behavior among youngsters, who frequently engage with social media and other websites. Theoretical framework: To achieve the research objectives, a comprehensive theoretical framework is utilized. The framework incorporates theories from consumer behavior, advertising effectiveness, and online marketing. It draws on concepts such as brand awareness, product features, price perception, and impulsive buying behavior to provide a holistic understanding of the influence of pop-up ads on youngsters' purchase intent. Method: A primary data collection method is employed in this investigation. Surveys are conducted among a targeted sample of youngsters who regularly engage with online platforms. The survey questionnaire is designed to capture their exposure to pop-up ads, their attitudes towards these ads, and their subsequent purchase intent. Additionally, data is collected on the respondents' recall of product information and their impulsive buying tendencies. Findings: The findings of this study shed light on the impact of pop-up advertisements on youngsters' purchasing behavior. The results indicate that pop-up ads have a significant influence on purchase intent among the target population. The abrupt appearance of pop-up ads on webpages captures the attention of online viewers and creates a sense of urgency, leading to impulsive buying decisions. Furthermore, the continuous exposure to pop-up ads improves the recall of product features, prices, and other parameters, reinforcing the impact on purchase intent. Research Implications: These findings have important implications for marketers and advertisers aiming to target the younger demographic. Understanding the effectiveness of pop-up ads in creating awareness and driving impulsive buying behavior can inform strategic advertising campaigns and optimize online marketing efforts. Marketers can leverage the potential of pop-up ads to enhance brand recall, increase product visibility, and ultimately drive sales among youngsters. Originality/value: This study highlights the significance of pop-up advertisements on youngsters' purchase intent. The primary data analysis confirms that pop-up ads on webpages have a strong influence on impulsive buying behavior and enhance the recall of product information. By considering the findings and recommendations of this research, marketers can effectively utilize pop-up ads to engage with the younger demographic and drive their purchasing decisions.

The Effect Of Discount, Advertising And Product Quality On Impulsive Purchase Decisions At Burger King Roxy Square Branch Jember


 This research was conducted on Roxy Square Jember's Burger King consumer. This study aims to determine and analyze the effect of Discounts, Advertising, Product quality on purchasing decisions impulsively. As a tool for collecting data in this study by conducting observations, Interviews, And questionnaires to 80 respondents as consumers of Burger King Roxy Square Jember branch. With purposive sampling technique using multiple linear regression analysis tools, test data instruments (validity test, Reliability test). Classic assumption test (normality test, Multicollinearity test, Heteroscedasticity test), And hypothesis test (t test, coefficient of determination). Based on the results of the analysis that has been carried out using multiple linear regression analysis method of discount variables, Advertising, Product quality has a positive effect on impulsive buying decisions. In the t test that has been done also has a significant effect on the variable discount, Advertising, Product quality on impulsive buying decisions. The F test also shows a positive influence together on the three variables.

Psychological characteristics of entrepreneurs working in stress-related conditions

The relevance of the study is due to the growth of stress-related conditions of entrepreneurs’ activity in Ukraine in 2020-2023. The purpose of the study is to highlight the results of an examination of emotional intelligence, psychosocial stress, and character accentuations of entrepreneurs working in stress-related conditions. Among the key research methods is the psychosocial stress scale of L. Reeder, emotional intelligence test questionnaire of N. Hall, definition of character accentuations of Leonhard – H. Schmieschek. The professional activities of 90 entrepreneurs in the conditions of COVID-19 and 90 entrepreneurs in the conditions of war in the period 2021-2023 were examined. In both groups, the established high level of emotional intelligence was characterised by the ability to be aware of emotions and feelings, the average – by the potential for development, and the low required development. A strong correlation was identified between “emotional awareness” and “recognition of other people’s emotions”, which characterised restraint in the manifestation of emotions. Entrepreneurs working in war conditions were identified to have a reduced ability to manage emotions and low self-motivation. It was identified that psychosocial stress was manifested by psychosomatic complaints and impulsive decisions, aggressiveness, intolerance to the opinions of others, and anger. A high level of stress was accompanied by a deterioration in concentration, memory, and performance. It is proved that the tendency to accentuation due to provocative emotional factors increased to accentuation, and pedantry, hyperthymicity, emotionality create the basis for conflicts. It was determined that the pathogenetic path of conflict development was evasion as a specific social behaviour in stress-associated conditions of activity, and ignoring the problem was the basic behaviour in conflict with the desire to avoid acute situations and decisions ‒ “tactics of presence without signs of active intervention”. Two types of accentuations associated with the negative impact on the emotional intelligence of businessmen were identified: getting stuck or dysthymia in the first group, which worked during COVID-19, and the dominance of anxious and emotional traits in the second group, members of which had to work in war conditions. It is noted that in both groups, entrepreneurial activity was characterised as “rather dysfunctional and unsatisfactory”. The practical importance of the study lies in the ability to consider the identified psychological characteristics in providing assistance to entrepreneurs working in stress-related conditions.

Distinct developmental trajectories for risky and impulsive decision-making in chimpanzees.

Human adolescence is characterized by a suite of changes in decision-making and emotional regulation that promote risky and impulsive behavior. Accumulating evidence suggests that behavioral and physiological shifts seen in human adolescence are shared by some primates, yet it is unclear if the same cognitive mechanisms are recruited. We examined developmental changes in risky choice, intertemporal choice, and emotional responses to decision outcomes in chimpanzees, our closest-living relatives. We found that adolescent chimpanzees were more risk-seeking than adults, as in humans. However, chimpanzees showed no developmental change in intertemporal choice, unlike humans, although younger chimpanzees did exhibit elevated emotional reactivity to waiting compared to adults. Comparisons of cortisol and testosterone indicated robust age-related variation in these biomarkers, and patterns of individual differences in choices, emotional reactivity, and hormones also supported a developmental dissociation between risk and choice impulsivity. These results show that some but not all core features of human adolescent decision-making are shared with chimpanzees. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Effects of short-term nicotine deprivation on delay discounting among young, experienced, exclusive ENDS users: An initial study.

Delay discounting describes how rapidly delayed rewards lose value as a function of delay and serves as one measure of impulsive decision-making. Nicotine deprivation among combustible cigarette smokers can increase delay discounting. We aimed to explore changes in discounting following nicotine deprivation among electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) users. Thirty young adults (aged 18-24 years) that exclusively used ENDS participated in two laboratory sessions: one with vaping as usual and another after 16 hr of nicotine deprivation (biochemically assessed). At each session, participants completed a craving measure and three hypothetical delay discounting tasks presenting choices between small, immediate rewards and large, delayed ones (money-money; e-liquid-e-liquid; e-liquid-money). Craving for ENDS significantly increased during short-term nicotine deprivation relative to normal vaping. Delay discounting rates in the e-liquid now versus money later task increased (indicating a shift in preference for smaller, immediate rewards) following short-term nicotine deprivation relative to vaping as usual, but no changes were observed in the other two discounting tasks. Short-term nicotine deprivation increased the preference for smaller amounts of e-liquid delivered immediately over larger, monetary awards available after a delay in this first study of its kind. As similar preference shifts for drug now versus money later have been shown to be indicative of increased desire to use drug as well as relapse risk, the findings support the utility of the current model as a platform to explore interventions that can mitigate these preference shifts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Promising approaches in the search for biomarkers of bipolar disorder.

Promising approaches in the search for biomarkers of bipolar disorder.

Financial Literacy and Impulsivity: Evidence from Japan

The existing literature considers financial literacy to be a proxy for rational decision-making instruments. Although there is empirical evidence on the impact of financial literacy on improving rational decision-making ability, it is not yet known whether financial literacy reduces irrational decisions. Impulsive decisions are a form of irrationality where people prefer smaller but earlier rewards over larger but delayed rewards. Thus, impulsive decisions lead to suboptimal decisions in terms of utility gain. This study investigated whether financial literacy reduces impulsivity in financial and economic decisions. We use data from the Preference Parameter Study (PPS) of Osaka University. We measure hyperbolic discounting as a proxy for impulsive decision making. To control for the endogeneity bias between financial literacy and hyperbolic discounting, we use childhood experiences of talking about finances with parents as an instrumental variable. Our probit regression results show that financial literacy is negatively associated with hyperbolic discounting, after controlling for endogeneity bias. Furthermore, we observed that the effect was significant among respondents aged over 40 and among female respondents. Our results suggest that authorities should consider using financial literacy as an alternative policy intervention to change impulsivity preferences.

A hierarchical cluster analysis of young drivers based on their perceived risk and frequency of texting while driving

Introduction: The present study attempted to provide a proof-of-concept of usefulness of cluster analysis for identifying distinct and practically meaningful subgroups of drivers who differed in their perceived risk and frequency of texting while driving (TWD). Method: Using a hierarchical cluster analysis, which involves sequential steps in which individual cases are merged together one at a time based on their similarities, the study first attempted to identify distinct subgroups of drivers who differed in their perceived risk and frequency of TWD. To further evaluate the meaningfulness of the subgroups identified, the subgroups were compared in terms of levels of trait impulsivity and impulsive decision making for each gender. Results: The study identified the following three distinct subgroups: (a) drivers who perceive TWD as risky but frequently engage in TWD; (b) drivers who perceive TWD as risky and infrequently engage in TWD; and (c) drivers who perceive TWD as not so risky and frequently engage in TWD. The subgroup of male, but not female, drivers who perceive TWD as risky but frequently engage in TWD showed significantly higher levels of trait impulsivity, but not impulsive decision making, than the other two subgroups. Discussion: This is the first demonstration that drivers who frequently engage in TWD can be categorized into two distinct subgroups that differ in terms of the perceived risk of TWD. Practical applications: For drivers who perceived TWD as risky yet frequently engage in TWD, the present study suggests that different intervention strategies may be needed for each gender.

Time Discounting and Hand-Sanitization Behavior: Evidence from Japan

Whether non-compliance with hand sanitization is related to impatience or impulsivity is an unresolved issue. Several studies have argued that not maintaining hand sanitization requirements during a pandemic could relate to impatience or impulsivity. However, the impatience or impulsivity of hand sanitization needs to be investigated in pandemic-free situations, as government requirements for hand sanitization influence subjective preferences. Little research, however, has examined such associations in pandemic-neutral scenarios. To fill this gap, this study assesses the role of two aspects of time discounting—hyperbolic discounting and impatience—in influencing hand-sanitizing behavior in Japan. The study utilized two waves of 2021 and 2018 datasets derived from the Japanese population-based survey of the Preference Parameters Study of Osaka University (N = 725). The probit regression results provide partial support for deviation from hand sanitization as an impulsive decision because the phenomenon is evident only in females. There were no notable impacts of the impatience variable in any of the models or specifications. Our study provides important policy implications. We argue that one-size-fits-all policies may not solve the impulsivity associated with hand-sanitization behavior in Japan because the impulsivity problem is not commonly found among all respondents. Policymakers should consider underlying gender differences when designing future health-promoting measures.

A cluster analysis of mothers of reproductive age based on their attitude and risk of alcohol use.

The rates of alcohol use and binge drinking are increasing among women. To examine factors that can differentiate women with low-risk alcohol use from those with high-risk alcohol use, the present study explored whether there would be distinct subgroups of mothers who differed in their attitudes and risk of alcohol use. A sample of 141 women aged between 18 and 50 years old who had given birth within 3 years was recruited on Amazon Mechanical Turk. A hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted to categorize the mothers based on the similarities between their attitudes and risk of alcohol use, which resulted in the identification of the following distinct subgroups: (a) mothers with negative attitudes toward alcohol use and low risk for problematic alcohol use, (b) mothers with positive attitudes and low risk, and (c) mothers with positive attitudes and high risk. These subgroups of mothers were then compared on the extent to which they differed in trait impulsivity and impulsive decision-making toward instant gratification. The results showed that the subgroups significantly differed in trait impulsivity but not in impulsive decision-making toward instant gratification. The present study demonstrated the usefulness of cluster analysis for profiling distinct, practically meaningful subgroups of mothers of reproductive age based on their attitudes and risk of alcohol use, which has important implications for developing intervention strategies for problematic alcohol use in this population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Emotion-related impulsivity moderates the role of arousal on reflection impulsivity

Emotion-related impulsivity is an important behavioural phenotype in clinical psychology and public health. Here, we test the hypothesis that emotion-related impulsivity moderates the effects of arousal on cognition using pharmacological manipulation. Participants completed a measure of emotion-related impulsivity, four cognitive tasks tapping onto different facets of impulsive behaviours, and a blinded arousal manipulation using yohimbine hydrochloride, which acts on noradrenergic receptors. Our findings suggest that emotion-related impulsivity moderates the role of arousal on impulsive performance on the Information Sampling Task. As expected, more severe emotion-related impulsivity was related to more impulsive decisions in the yohimbine but not in the placebo group. Results provide some of the first experimental evidence that emotion-related impulsivity is related to differential behavioural responses in the face of high arousal. Despite this preliminary support, we discuss findings for one task that did not fit hypotheses, and provide suggestions for replication and extension.

The Relationship between Online Selling Through Social Media and Impulse Purchases among Young Professionals

The goal of this study is to see if there is a link between online selling via social media and impulse purchases. The steps in the methodology are as follows: Quantitative research, particularly descriptive research, is used to design research that tries to characterize the existing state of variables. With a total of 387 Young Professional respondents from Angeles City, Pampanga, the researchers also gave self-made questionnaires and utilized a Likert scale as the foundation for responding to the survey. To correlate the link between social commerce and impulsive purchase decisions, the facts were studied using statistical analysis using mean rating and Pearson r correlation. It was discovered that the Young Professional's impulse purchase choice and social commerce (hedonic and social) had a substantial association. The researchers suggested that social commerce be more trustworthy to earn trust and credibility, that sales promotions be established to enhance customer retention, and that outstanding customer service is provided to offer customers a more pleasant experience and add value. The findings point to the necessity for more investigation into other elements that influence social commerce.

Analysis of Factors Influencing Shopee E-Commerce Purchase Decisions

This study aims to analyze the factors that drive consumers to choose Shopee as a marketplace compared to other applications. The timeframe for this research was conducted from 2022-2023 with employees of PT. Telkom Semarang as an object. The sampling method used is non-probability sampling and accidental sampling, namely determining the sample based on natural or reflex factors. The final sample numbered 100 employees. Quantitative analysis using the structural equation modeling (SEM)-partial least squares path (PLS) method is used to test the data because it involves intervening variables. The results show that convenience has no effect on purchasing decisions, but convenience can influence trust. Meanwhile, trust is not able to be a good intervention between convenience and purchasing decisions. perceived risk has no effect on purchasing decisions, and perceived risk also has no effect on trust. Meanwhile, trust is not able to be a good intervention between perceived risk in purchasing decisions. Impulsive buying has no effect on purchasing decisions. However, impulsive buying affects trust. Meanwhile, trust can be a good intervention between impulsive buying and buying decisions. trust has a positive effect on buying decisions.

Losing control without your smartphone: Anxiety affects the dynamic choice process of impulsive decision-making and purchase.

Different interacting contexts influence the decision-making process, as revealed by the computational modeling. Through four studies, we investigated how smartphone addiction and anxiety influenced impulsive behaviors, along with the underlying psychological mechanisms and dynamic decision-making processes. In the first and second studies, we found no significant correlation between smartphone addiction and impulsive behavior. However, in the third study, we found that smartphone separation increased impulsive decision-making and purchases, and state anxiety, but not trait anxiety, mediated this effect. We explored the dynamic decision-making process using a multi-attribute drift diffusion model (DDM). The results showed that anxiety triggered by smartphone separation changed the trade-offs between decision weights for the fundamental components of the dynamic choice process. In the fourth study, we investigated why smartphone addiction led to increased anxiety and found that extended-self was a mediating factor. Our findings show that smartphone addiction was not correlated with impulsive behaviors, but was correlated with state anxiety in the context of smartphone separation. Further, this study shows how emotional states triggered by different interacting contexts affect the dynamic decision-making process and consumer behaviors.

Consequences of consumer regret with online shopping

Negative online reviews can significantly hurt future sales. After impulsive decisions, consumers may feel regret and write negative online reviews. Two studies are conducted to understand the origin and consequences of negative reviews according to the review content and the responsibility for the mistake in the decision. The first study analyses the influence on the review creation of regret with the process and the outcome through structural equation modelling. For the second study, a 2 × 2 experimental design was conducted. This study analyses how different content in the review (regret with the process vs. regret with the outcome) and guilt of the error (the consumer vs. the seller) affects the perceived persuasiveness, usefulness and credibility of the information, and the intention to follow the advice. The results show that for generating negative reviews, it is the regret with the process coupled with the presence of regret with the outcome which ultimately leads to the intention to write negative reviews. However, the results of the second study show that reviews that criticize the outcome are more damaging than those that criticize the process. Furthermore, reviews that show regret in which the buyer is responsible affect readers more through the greater persuasion they generate.

Gender difference in network relationship between inter-temporal decisions and prefrontal activation levels in internet gaming disorder.

Impulsivity and decision-making are key factors in addiction. However, little is known about how gender and time sensitivity affect impulsivity in internet gaming disorder (IGD). To investigate the gender difference of impulsive decision-making and relevant brain responses in IGD. We conducted a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study with 123 participants, including 59 IGD individuals (26 females) and 64 matched recreational game users (RGUs, 23 females). Participants performed a delay-discounting task during fMRI scanning. We examined gender-by-group effects on behavioral and neural measures to explore the preference for immediate over delayed rewards and the associated brain activity. We also investigated the network correlations between addiction severity and behavioral and neural measures, and analyzed the mediating role of brain activity in the link between delay discounting parameters and IGD severity. We found significant gender-by-group interactions. The imaging results revealed gender-by-group interactions in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, medial frontal gyrus, and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). Post hoc analysis indicated that, for females, RGUs showed higher activity than IGD individuals in these brain regions, while for males IGD individuals exhibited higher activity than RGUs. The activation in the left IFG mediated the relation between Internet Addiction Test score and discount rate in females. In males, the activation in the right dlPFC mediated the relation between IAT score and time sensitivity. Our findings imply that male IGD participants demonstrate impaired intertemporal decisions associated with neural dysfunction. Influencing factors for impulsive decision-making in IGD diverge between males (time sensitivity) and females (discount rate). These findings augment our comprehension of the neural underpinnings of gender differences in IGD and bear significant implications for devising effective intervention strategies for treating people with IGD.