Understanding loss aversion by using tDCS stimulation on DLPFC and multiple ERP measures: A tDCS-EEG study

Loss aversion is a crucial aspect of risky decision-making; yet its neural underpinnings remain unclear, particularly regarding the functional relationship between neural activity and behavior. This study employed bihemispheric DLPFC transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and electroencephalogram (EEG) to deeply understand the neural mechanism of loss aversion from three aspects: 1) functional relationship of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on loss aversion; 2) comprehensive neural basis of loss aversion; 3) neural evidence of functional effect of DLPFC on loss aversion. Twenty-five healthy subjects underwent three stimulations, i.e., right anodal/left cathodal (right stimulation), left anodal/right cathodal (left stimulation), and sham stimulation targeted bilateral DLPFC on separate days with 7- to 14-day intervals. Participants performed a mixed gamble task poststimulation while EEG was recorded. Behaviorally, right stimulation reduced acceptance rate and increased loss aversion coefficients compared with sham and left stimulation. Moreover, both average and single-trial ERP analysis revealed enhanced feedback-related negativity difference (d-FRN) deflections following right stimulation, whereas no significant error-related negativity (ERN) effect was found. These findings suggested that right DLPFC is a key region driving loss aversion by increasing sensitivity to losses and modulating negative emotional responses.