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Test of Target Engagement of Ambiguity Aversion

Computational Modeling of Ambiguity Aversion in Internalizing Disorders: Neural and Behavioral Markers, and a Test of Target Engagement

Who can join

Ages 25 to 60 · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome

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.).

About the study

The present work aims to test whether a single session intervention alters ambiguity aversion, both in terms of people's decision making and their brain responses to ambiguous choices.

What is being tested

• Uncertainty-focused single session intervention (behavioral)
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle single session intervention (behavioral)

Sponsor: Northwestern University · Participants: 140 · Started: Jul 7, 2025

Contact the study team

• Brent I Rappaport, Ph.D. · Phone: (312) 585-6603

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06962527

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Anxiety
• Depression

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.