Decision-making under stress: A psychological and neurobiological integrative model

Abstract

Understanding the impact of stress on cognitive processes, particularly decision-making, is crucial as it underpins behaviors essential for survival. However, research in this domain has yielded disparate results, with inconsistencies evident across stress-induction paradigms and drug administration protocols designed to investigate specific stress pathways or neuromodulators. Building upon empirical studies, this research identifies a multifaceted matrix of variables contributing to the divergent findings. This matrix encompasses factors such as the temporal proximity between stressors and decision tasks, the nature of stressors and decision contexts, individual characteristics including psychobiological profiles and affective states at the time of decision-making and even cultural influences. In response to these complexities, we propose a comprehensive model that integrates these relevant factors and their intricate interplay to elucidate the mechanisms governing decision-making during stressful events. By synthesizing these insights, our model not only refines existing paradigms but also provides a framework for future study designs, offering avenues for theoretical advancements and translational developments in the field of stress's impact on cognitive functions. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the nuanced relationship between stress and decision-making, ultimately advancing our knowledge of cognitive processes under challenging conditions.

Keywords: Decision-making; HPA axis; Integrative model; SAM system; Stress.

Fig. 1

Neuroendocrinology of the stress response after the stressor onset. First, an immediate response of the SAM system triggers catecholamines increase, which back to normal not long after stressor offset. On the other hand, the HPA axis response appears slowly and remains longer (top panel). At the cellular level, catecholamines may interact with the early non-genomic effects of corticosteroids, while genomic effects of cortisol appear approximately after 60 min of the stress onset (bottom panel). Time relative to stressor onset is expressed in hours. Adapted from Hermans et al., 2014).

Fig. 2

A proposed model of decision-making under stress. The inconsistencies observed in experimental results of several scientific research could be explained by the interplay of numerous variables. They encompass the nature of stress event, type of decision to be made and the particular individualities of person involved. After the appearance of the stressor, the timing between its onset and the decision is crucial; as well as whether the DM process involves habitual or novel choices. Furthermore, each individual is under the pervasive influence of multiple factors, as their genetic background, predisposition to stress, personality traits, age, sex, and cultural context. This model posit that all of the detailed variables detail interact with each other and converge to generate a specific decision output.