Effect of stress on decision making: The role of analytical intelligence, executive functions, somatic markers and personality traits

In line with the research findings in the literature, it is known that acute stress affects decision-making behavior and decision-making performance under uncertainty is disrupted by increased stress. The purpose of this study was to reveal mediating mechanisms of the negative impact of stress on decision making. In other words, it was tried to understand which system failures depend on stress effect impair decision-making performance. These mechanisms were determined in line with the predictions of SMH (Somatic Marker Hypothesis) and Dual Process Theory. Thus, another aim of this study was to compare and test these theories. The sample of the study consisted of 61 (31 females, 30 males) participants aged between 18-23 (x̄ = 21, SD = 1.28). The data of this study were tested with Repeated Measures ANOVA and independent samples t-test via the SPSS program, and mediator analysis and moderated mediation analysis via the AMOS program. The current research findings indicated that acute stress causes decision making failures by supressing the skin conductance response emphasized in SMH and cognitive processes defined in System 2. Moreover, low neuroticism had a moderating role in decision-making performance by reducing the stress' negative effects through set-shifting. In accordance with these results, it can be deduced that the above-mentioned theoretical approaches are not seperately sufficient to explain decision-making behavior under stress; however, these theories complement each other's deficiencies to understand the physiological and cognitive mechanisms of decision making. Further, it is one of the important results of the study that decision making behavior under stress may vary from depending on personality traits. Research results are considered to be an important resource for the literature in understanding the decision making behavior under stress. Finally, it can be said that the study has important implications for the application in social and clinical fields.