Understanding the costs of self-control
Official title: Neural and Affective Mechanisms Underlying Prospective Self-control Costs
Run by NYU Langone Health · NCT05795179 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to see how much people are willing to pay to resist tempting rewards that can lead to self-control problems, while also looking at how stress affects their decision-making.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | NYU Langone Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | April 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | March 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05795179 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-70 who are fluent in English and are actively maintaining or losing weight through dietary changes.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of neurological or psychiatric diseases, certain medical conditions, or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the cognitive, neural, and affective mechanisms behind self-control failures, which are common challenges for many individuals. Participants will engage in a decision-making task to assess how much they are willing to pay to avoid tempting rewards that could lead to self-control issues. The study will utilize various stress-inducing tasks and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to explore the neural correlates and connectivity patterns associated with self-control costs. By examining the impact of different stressors, the research aims to deepen our understanding of the factors influencing self-control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the mechanisms of self-control, potentially leading to better strategies for managing self-control failures.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, previous research has explored related concepts of self-control and stress, indicating potential for success.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-70 years of age, able to speak, read, and write fluently in English * be willing and able to follow study procedures and provide informed consent. * Must additionally confirm they are on a diet to maintain/lose weight and are implementing/maintaining dietary changes. Exclusion Criteria: * History of or medication for neurologic or psychiatric disease * High-blood pressure or heart condition * Diabetes, food allergies, metabolic disorders or history of eating disorder * Use of corticosteroids or beta-blockers * Metallic implants or devices contraindicating magnetic resonance imaging. * Pregnancy is considered an exclusion criteria due to all stress and scanning procedures, thus pregnant participants will not be permitted to participate in the study.
Where it's running
-
NYU Langone Health
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Candace Raio — NYU Langone Health
- Study coordinator: Candace Raio
- Email: candace.raio@nyulangone.org
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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.