Self-regulation predicts risk-taking through people's time horizon

Area of Science:

• Decision-making research
• Cognitive psychology
• Behavioral economics

Background:

• Individual differences in regulatory orientation (assessment vs. locomotion modes) are key factors in decision-making.
• Understanding how these modes influence choice behavior, particularly risk-taking, is crucial.
• The role of an individual's time horizon in modulating the relationship between regulatory mode and risk-taking requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between habitual regulatory mode (assessment and locomotion) and risk-taking behavior.
• To investigate the moderating effect of time horizon on the association between regulatory mode and risk-taking.

Main Methods:

• Habitual regulatory mode was assessed.
• Risk-taking was measured using the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART) one month after regulatory mode assessment.
• Statistical analyses explored the association between regulatory modes, time horizon, and risk-taking.

Main Results:

• A significant negative association was found between the assessment mode and risk-taking.
• This association was mediated by individual differences in time horizon, suggesting that a longer time horizon reduces risk-taking in the assessment mode.
• Locomotion mode did not show a significant association with risk-taking in this context.

Conclusions:

• The assessment mode of regulatory orientation, particularly when coupled with a longer time horizon, is associated with reduced risk-taking.
• Time horizon acts as a significant mediator in the relationship between regulatory orientation and risk-taking behavior.
• Findings contribute to understanding individual differences in decision-making and risk assessment.