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NCT06962527NARecruitingAccepts Healthy Volunteers

Test of Target Engagement of Ambiguity Aversion

Northwestern University

Start Date

7/7/2025

Completion Date

12/31/2029

Summary

The present work aims to test whether a single session intervention alters ambiguity aversion, both in terms of people's decision making and their brain responses to ambiguous choices.

Detailed Description

In this trial, participants will be randomized to one of two single session interventions (SSI). They will complete a decision making task before and after the SSI to measure their behavioral and brain responses to ambiguity, all on the same day. They will also complete a brief measure of hopelessness before and after the SSI. The main analysis will compare changes in ambiguity aversion before and after the interventions. Participants will also be asked to complete questionnaires before completing the task and SSI. The questionnaires will be about the participant's emotions and symptoms of depression and anxiety, personality, and avoidance/tolerance of uncertainty.

Eligibility Criteria

Age Range: 25 years to 60 years

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Ages 25 to 60 2. Right-handed 3. Ability to read and write English 4. Capacity to provide informed consent 5. Intolerance of uncertainty score ≥ -0.5 standard deviation below the mean (31st percentile) Exclusion Criteria: 1. Personal history of psychosis, mania, or hypomania 2. Personal history of autism spectrum disorder 3. IQ \< 80 as determined by the Wechsler Test of Adult Reading 4. Head injury with greater than 120 seconds loss of consciousness 5. Neurological condition (e.g., epilepsy, Parkinson's, cerebral palsy, history of stroke) 6. Currently pregnant 7. Use of any implanted electrical device (e.g., pacemaker, spinal stimulator, vagal nerve stimulator, Inspire sleep apnea device, etc.).

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Uncertainty-focused single session intervention

BEHAVIORAL

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle single session intervention

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Conditions

Intolerance of UncertaintyAnxietyIntolerance of Uncertainty; AnxietyDepression, Anxiety

Locations

Northwestern University

Chicago, Illinois 60611

United States