Single-session intervention to change ambiguity aversion
Computational Modeling of Ambiguity Aversion in Internalizing Disorders: Neural and Behavioral Markers, and a Test of Target Engagement
NA · Northwestern University · NCT06962527
This trial tests whether one brief intervention can change how adults with intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety make ambiguous decisions and how their brains respond.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Ages | 25 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT06962527 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults are randomized to one of two single-session interventions and complete a decision-making task before and after the intervention on the same day while their brain activity is recorded with EEG/ERP. Questionnaires about mood, hopelessness, anxiety, depression, personality, and intolerance/avoidance of uncertainty are collected before the session and repeated for hopelessness after the session. Behavioral choices and EEG responses to ambiguous options will be analyzed, with computational modeling used to quantify ambiguity aversion and compare pre- to post-intervention changes. The main outcome is change in ambiguity aversion and associated neural signatures between the two intervention groups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 25–60 who are right-handed, read and write English, can give consent, and have an intolerance-of-uncertainty score at or above the 31st percentile, with no history of psychosis, mania, autism, major neurological disorder, or implanted electrical device, and who are not pregnant.
Not a fit: People with a history of psychosis, autism spectrum disorder, major neurological conditions, implanted electrical devices, current pregnancy, or an IQ below 80 — and those unable to attend an in-person single-day session — are not expected to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could reduce intolerance of uncertainty and change decision-making under ambiguity, which might help lower anxiety and hopelessness for some people.
How similar studies have performed: Previous behavioral and neuroimaging work on intolerance of uncertainty and ambiguity aversion suggests the approach is promising, but single-session interventions targeting neural signatures of ambiguity aversion remain relatively novel and limited in evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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.).
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- Northwestern University — Chicago, Illinois, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Brent I Rappaport, Ph.D.
- Email: decisionmaking@northwestern.edu
- Phone: (312) 585-6603
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Intolerance of Uncertainty, Anxiety, Depression, Anxiety, Ambiguity aversion, Intolerance of uncertainty, Computational modeling, EEG/ERP