Cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying sequential risk-taking behaviors among individuals with internet gaming disorder

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundInternet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is one type of behavioral addiction characterized by compulsive internet gaming despite negative consequences. Understanding the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying decision-making in individuals with IGD is essential to address this growing mental health concern. This study investigates risky decision-making behaviors and their neural correlates in individuals with IGD compared to healthy controls (HCs).MethodsA total of 42 right-handed participants, including 15 with IGD and 27 HCs, underwent a sequential risk-taking task. Behavioral data were collected and analyzed using computational models to assess risk-taking propensity influenced by emotional responses. Concurrent functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG) recordings allowed for the assessment of neural activity during decision-making.ResultsIn sequential risky taking decision-making, both IGDs and HCs showed a greater risky propensity after negative outcomes than positive outcomes. Meanwhile, individuals with IGD exhibited a higher risk-taking propensity compared to the HC group, as determined by computational modeling. EEG analysis identified significant differences in univariate pattern analysis, like global field power, event related potential, and Multivariate pattern analysis between IGD and HC groups in response to win and loss feedback. In addition, significant brain deactivation alternation in the prefrontal cortex during the task was detected for the patient group compared with that from the control group.ConclusionsRisky decision-making in IGD appears to be influenced by complex interactions between emotional responses and cognitive factors. The findings offer a foundation for understanding the aberrant decision-making processes in IGD and may inform future interventions and treatments for this behavioral addiction.