Single-session intervention to change ambiguity aversion
Official title: Computational Modeling of Ambiguity Aversion in Internalizing Disorders: Neural and Behavioral Markers, and a Test of Target Engagement
Run by Northwestern University · NCT06962527 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 25 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 7, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2029 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | May 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06962527 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Brent I Rappaport, Ph.D.
- Email: decisionmaking@northwestern.edu
- Phone: (312) 585-6603
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.