Understanding how self-control costs affect decision-making

Neural and affective mechanisms underlying prospective self-control costs

NIH-funded research New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11062501

This study is looking at how our brains handle self-control when faced with tempting choices, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding why we sometimes struggle to make the best decisions, especially when stress is involved.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York University School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11062501 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the cognitive and neural mechanisms behind self-control failures, which can impact both healthy individuals and those with psychological conditions. By developing a new decision-making task, the study aims to measure how much people are willing to sacrifice to avoid tempting rewards that could lead to poor long-term choices. The research will explore the relationship between self-control costs and various psychological stressors, providing insights into how these factors influence behavior. Participants may engage in tasks that assess their decision-making processes and brain activity related to self-control.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals experiencing difficulties with self-control, such as those with behavioral addictions or psychological disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who do not experience self-control issues or have no interest in improving their decision-making may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing self-control, benefiting individuals struggling with impulsive behaviors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding self-control mechanisms, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.