An Evaluation of Daily Perceived Stress and Impulsive Decision Making: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Excessive choice of smaller-immediate rewards has been positively correlated with a host of negative health outcomes such as addiction, gambling, and overeating. Meta-analytic research suggests that stress is a contextual variable that can contribute to impulsive choice. The strength of the relationship between stress and impulsive decision making may be largely moderated by how these variables are measured. Despite clinical relevance, the relationship between daily stress and decision making is not well understood. The current investigation sought to further characterize the relationship between acute stress and impulsive decision making using the Daily Stress Inventory and the 27-item Monetary Choice Questionnaire. Results from 69 adults revealed a positive correlation between daily stressors and impulsive decision making. Future directions are discussed aimed at experimental evaluations of the effects of stress on impulsive decision making.