Differential psychophysiological responses associated with decision‐making in children from different socioeconomic backgrounds

Abstract

AbstractThis study examined how socioeconomic status (SES) influences on decision‐making processing. The roles of anticipatory/outcome‐related cardiac activity and awareness of task contingencies were also assessed. One hundred twelve children (Mage = 5.83, SDage = 0.32; 52.7% female, 51.8% low‐SES; data collected October–December 2018 and April–December 2019) performed the Children's Gambling Task, while heart rate activity was recorded. Awareness of gain/loss contingencies was assessed after completing the task. Distinct decision‐making strategies emerged among low and middle/high‐SES children. Despite similar awareness levels between SES groups, future‐oriented decision‐making was linked solely to the middle/high‐SES group. Somatic markers did not manifest unequivocally. However, contrasting cardiac patterns were evident concerning feedback processing and the association between anticipatory activity and awareness (low: acceleration vs. middle/high: deceleration). Results are interpreted from an evolutionary‐developmental perspective.