Exploring neuroanatomy and neuropsychology in digital financial decision-making: betrayal aversion and risk behavior

Detecting the factors associated with financial decision-making is an unresolved challenge when trying to predict digital financial behavior. This paper reports experimental results on both neuropsychological and neuronal correlates of risk-taking and betrayal aversion among 121 healthy participants (X_age=21.7; SD = 2.8). A questionnaire on financial habits was administered, followed by neuropsychological tests and a magnetic resonance imaging session while participants viewed videos depicting both traditional and digital economic transactions. Participants also completed a computerized version of trust and risk games. Results reveal that Sensitivity to Punishment and Negative Urgency significantly predict risk behavior. High betrayal aversion was associated with greater sensitivity to punishment as well as lower volume in temporal areas. Cluster analysis identified two distinct psychological profiles based on betrayal aversion scores, highlighting differences in sensitivity to punishment, negative urgency, positive urgency, and trust game score. Furthermore, cortical thickness comparisons revealed differences between low and high-aversion groups, particularly in the temporal, parietal, and insular areas. White matter analysis indicated less integration in specific tracts among individuals with high betrayal aversion. These findings suggest the influence of neuropsychological factors on the adoption of risky financial behaviors and emotional response to betrayal.