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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Cognitive Science
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Older adults often exhibit greater avoidance of choices compared to younger populations.
  • Understanding the psychological drivers behind this avoidance is crucial for promoting autonomy and well-being in later life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the underlying reasons for increased choice avoidance in older adults.
  • To examine the roles of cognitive load and affect in older adults' decision-making processes.
  • To test an intervention designed to mitigate choice avoidance by reducing cognitive load.

Main Methods:

  • Two U.S.-based, pre-registered studies were conducted with adult participants (N=164 and N=485).
  • Participants' age, perceived cognitive load, and affect were assessed.
  • In Study 2, participants were randomized to a writing condition hypothesized to decrease avoidance.

Main Results:

  • Older age positively correlated with choice avoidance and improved affect following avoidance.
  • Choice avoidance was associated with higher perceived cognitive loads.
  • The writing intervention reduced cognitive loads and enhanced decision-related affect but did not decrease choice avoidance.

Conclusions:

  • Perceived cognitive load is linked to choice avoidance in older adults, but does not fully explain the tendency.
  • Interventions targeting cognitive load may improve affect associated with decisions but may not reduce avoidance behavior itself.
  • Further research is needed to identify effective strategies for reducing choice avoidance in older populations.