Understanding how self-control costs affect decision-making
Official title: Neural and affective mechanisms underlying prospective self-control costs
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11062501 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 4, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $511,454 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130532-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062501 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals experiencing difficulties with self-control, such as those with behavioral addictions or psychological disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience self-control issues or have no interest in improving their decision-making may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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 University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raio, Candace M — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Raio, Candace M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.