Interocezione e decision-making: uno studio comportamentale sulla scelta rischiosa in risposta a stimoli corporei

Decision-making processes are integral to daily life, influenced by various factors including bodily sensations. This study explores the correlation between interoception and risk-taking behaviour, particularly in the context of body-related stimuli. Employing the Body Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BBART), we investigated whether and how the choice of effector (hand vs. foot) influenced risk-taking tendencies in 98 participants. While initially hypothesized a link between effector choice and task performance, our findings instead revealed a gender-specific effect, with females exhibiting lower risk propensity compared to males. Contrary to expectations, Bayesian analysis indicated no significant association between effector choice and risk-taking behaviour, challenging prevailing assumptions. Despite assumptions of embodied behaviour in response to body-related stimuli, the lack of evidence suggests a more complex relationship between interoception and risk-taking. Methodological limitations, including issues with the foot pedal, underscore the need for refined experimental protocols in future studies. Our results contribute to understanding gender-specific differences in risk-taking and highlight the complexity of interoceptive influences on decision-making.