The effect of positive autobiographical memory retrieval on decision-making under risk: A computational model-based...

Area of Science:

• Neuroeconomics
• Computational Psychiatry
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety are linked to altered decision-making under risk.
• Cognitive computational constructs of risk-based decision-making may serve as behavioral biomarkers.
• Interventions to manage these altered constructs are largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of recalling positive autobiographical memories on risk-based decision-making in healthy volunteers.
• To examine how positive memory retrieval influences specific cognitive computational constructs of risk preference, namely utility sensitivity and probability weighting.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a description-based task to assess risk-based decision-making.
• Dissected risk preference into utility sensitivity and probability weighting based on behavioral economics theories.
• Compared the effects of recalling positive autobiographical memories versus neutral memories.

Main Results:

• Recalling positive memories significantly increased utility sensitivity (Cohen's d = 0.447), indicating reduced risk aversion.
• The effect of positive memory retrieval on probability weighting was unreliable and requires further study.
• Changes in risk aversion were in the opposite direction to those observed in psychiatric disorders.

Conclusions:

• Positive autobiographical memory retrieval can modulate risk aversion by enhancing utility sensitivity.
• These findings suggest a potential therapeutic avenue for addressing altered risk-based decision-making in psychiatric conditions.
• Further research is needed to explore the impact on probability weighting and clinical efficacy.