Emotional and Cognitive "Route" in Decision-Making Process: The Relationship between Executive Functions,...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Decision Science

Background:

• Decision-making research traditionally emphasizes cognitive aspects.
• Emerging evidence highlights the critical role of emotional processing in decision-making, particularly under uncertainty.
• Individual differences in emotional vs. cognitive processing and their links to traits remain understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between individual preferences for emotional or cognitive processing in decision-making.
• To explore associations with personality traits, decisional styles, and psychophysiological correlates (EEG, autonomic indices).
• To identify potential latent profiles of decision-making based on these factors.

Main Methods:

• A novel task with realistic scenarios was administered to participants.
• Non-invasive wearable devices monitored physiological activity (EEG, autonomic indices).
• Self-report questionnaires assessed personality traits, decisional styles, and individual differences.

Main Results:

• Significant correlations were found between personality/decisional styles and a propensity for emotional or cognitive processing.
• Task-related EEG and autonomic measures showed specific correlations with decisional styles, maximization traits, and personality traits.
• These findings suggest distinct underlying profiles in decision-making.

Conclusions:

• Individual differences in decision-making involve both cognitive and emotional processing routes.
• Personality and decisional styles are linked to these processing preferences.
• Psychophysiological measures provide insights into these distinct decision-making profiles.