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

Abstract

This 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 (M age = 5.83, SD age = 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.