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Cumulative lifetime stressor exposure assessed by the STRAIN predicts economic ambiguity aversion

Author

Listed:
  • Candace M. Raio

    (New York University Grossman School of Medicine)

  • Benjamin B. Lu

    (Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine)

  • Michael Grubb

    (Trinity College)

  • Grant S. Shields

    (University of Arkansas)

  • George M. Slavich

    (Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California)

  • Paul Glimcher

    (Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine)

Abstract

Uncertainty is inherent in most decisions humans make. Economists distinguish between two types of decision-making under non-certain conditions: those involving risk (i.e., known outcome probabilities) and those that involve ambiguity (i.e., unknown outcome probabilities). Prior research has identified individual differences that explain risk preferences, but little is known about factors associated with ambiguity aversion. Here, we hypothesized that cumulative exposure to major psychosocial stressors over the lifespan might be one factor that predicts individuals’ ambiguity aversion. Across two studies (Study 1: n = 58, Mage = 25.7; Study 2: n = 188, Mage = 39.81), we used a comprehensive lifetime stressor exposure inventory (i.e., the Stress and Adversity Inventory for Adults, or STRAIN) and a standard economic approach to quantify risk and ambiguity preferences. Greater lifetime stressor exposure as measured by the STRAIN, particularly in early life, was associated with higher aversion to ambiguity but not risk preferences.

Suggested Citation

  • Candace M. Raio & Benjamin B. Lu & Michael Grubb & Grant S. Shields & George M. Slavich & Paul Glimcher, 2022. "Cumulative lifetime stressor exposure assessed by the STRAIN predicts economic ambiguity aversion," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-28530-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28530-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Charness, Gary & Grieco, Daniela, 2022. "Creativity and ambiguity tolerance," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 218(C).

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