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

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Decision Science

Background:

• Loss aversion significantly impacts risky decision-making, but its neural mechanisms are not fully understood.
• The specific role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in loss aversion requires further elucidation.
• Understanding the neural basis of loss aversion is crucial for fields ranging from behavioral economics to clinical psychology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the functional relationship between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and loss aversion.
• To comprehensively explore the neural underpinnings of loss aversion using electroencephalogram (EEG).
• To provide neural evidence for the functional effects of DLPFC stimulation on loss aversion.

Main Methods:

• Utilized bihemispheric transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting the bilateral DLPFC in 25 healthy subjects.
• Administered three stimulation conditions: right anodal/left cathodal, left anodal/right cathodal, and sham stimulation.
• Recorded electroencephalogram (EEG) during a mixed gamble task performed post-stimulation.

Main Results:

• Right-sided DLPFC stimulation significantly reduced gamble acceptance rates and increased loss aversion coefficients compared to sham and left-sided stimulation.
• EEG analysis revealed enhanced feedback-related negativity difference (d-FRN) following right-sided stimulation.
• No significant effect on error-related negativity (ERN) was observed, suggesting a specific modulation of loss processing.

Conclusions:

• The right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) plays a key role in driving loss aversion.
• Right DLPFC modulation increases sensitivity to potential losses and influences emotional responses to negative outcomes.
• These findings offer critical insights into the neural circuitry underlying decision-making under risk.