An experimental investigation of individual differences in sensitivity to future consequences: Depression, anxiety, and personality

Considering future consequences in decision-making is crucial for guiding our behavior towards a valued direction, but individuals with anxiety or depression tend to prioritize short-term emotional relief, leading to symptom persistence and impairment in life. This study investigated whether symptoms of depression and anxiety, along with related personality traits, are associated with sensitivity to future consequences when making decisions about approach or avoidance behavior. Five hundred and four adult participants recruited through Research Match read everyday scenarios involving approach-avoidance decisions. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental condition that embedded information about potential long-term consequences or a control condition that did not include this information. Results showed that participants in the experimental condition exhibited significantly more approach behaviors than those in the control condition. Linear regression analyses revealed significant moderation effects of generalized anxiety, behavioral activation, and non-perseverance with marginal effects for social anxiety and optimism. Lower anxiety and higher behavioral activation, perseverance, and optimism were linked to greater sensitivity to future consequences. Depressive symptoms, anhedonia, and non-planfulness did not moderate decision-making. These findings highlight the importance of anxiety and goal-directed traits in approach-avoidance decision-making.