The effect of intuition and decision-making in depressive symptomatology

Abstract

Depressive symptomatology may lead individuals to make less adaptive decisions due to impairments in problem-solving. Information processing style also plays a role in the decision-making process. The majority of literature states that individuals with depressive symptomatology show a less pronounced tendency to intuition (intuitive information processing style) that would lead to more adaptive outcomes. The aim of this study is to examine the influence of an intuitive information processing style on decision-making and the relationship of depressive symptomatology with poorer decision-making. The sample consisted of 97 participants who had fluent knowledge of the Dutch language with ages ranging from 16 to 66. The participants were randomly assigned to one of the 4 experiment conditions in this study. Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), Becks’ Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), and Preference for Intuition or Deliberation (PID) were the used measures in this research. The data analysis showed that the severity of depressive symptomatology did not influence decision-making performance. Preference for intuitive information processing style had no effect on decision-making outcomes. Nevertheless, participants started making more adaptive decisions towards the end of the IGT. The results of this study were inconsistent with the majority of literature examining the relationship between depressive symptomatology, intuition, and decision-making. Further research is needed to get a better understanding of the interaction and possible influence of these constructs.