NCT07252947 · NYU Langone Health
Stress and Anxiety Effects on Valuation
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to understand how stress, anxiety, and negative affect change learning and decision-making processes. The primary objective is to assess two forms of decision-making-reward adaptation and emotion prediction errors-differ as a function of stress and anxiety.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to understand how stress, anxiety, and negative affect change learning and decision-making processes. The primary objective is to assess two forms of decision-making-reward adaptation and emotion prediction errors-differ as a function of stress and anxiety. The secondary objectives are to assess how individual differences measured in our studies relate to these decision variables.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Socially Evaluated Cold Pressor Task (SECPT)
The SECPT is a validated laboratory stressor that combines physiological stress with social evaluative components; it is widely used to elicit acute stress responses in controlled settings. Participants are asked to submerge their nondominant hand into an ice-cold water (0-4°C) for 3 minutes, while videotaped and observed by one neutral-faced experimenter.
BEHAVIORAL
Non-Stressful Control Task
Participants assigned to the warm water control condition will perform a non-evaluative task with warm water.
Primary outcome measures
Subjective Value Assigned to Food Stimuli
Time frame: Study Visit (Day 1 - Approx. 2 Hours)
Measured as participants' willingness-to-pay ($) for snack foods across the behavioral task. (Aims 1 and 4).
Valence Rating Score of OASIS Images
Time frame: Study Visit (Day 1 - Approx. 2 Hours)
Valence is rated on a scale from 0 (very negative) to 6 (very positive). (Aims 2 and 4)
Pleasantness Rating Score of OASIS Images
Time frame: Study Visit (Day 1 - Approx. 2 Hours)
Pleasantness is rated on a scale from 0 (very unpleasant) to 6 (very pleasant). (Aims 2 and 4)
Intensity Rating Score of OASIS Images
Time frame: Study Visit (Day 1 - Approx. 2 Hours)
Intensity is rated on a scale from 0 (very low) to 6 (very high). (Aims 2 and 4)
Emotion Predictions - Valence
Time frame: Study Visit (Day 1 - Approx. 2 Hours)
Difference in valence ratings before and after trial outcomes. (Aims 3 and 4)
Emotion Predictions - Pleasantness
Time frame: Study Visit (Day 1 - Approx. 2 Hours)
Difference in pleasantness ratings before and after trial outcomes. (Aims 3 and 4)
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Aims 1-3: To be eligible for participation in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
- 18-65 years of age
- Able to speak, read, and write fluently in English
- Be willing and able to follow study procedures and provide informed consent. Aim 4: To be eligible for participation in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
- 18-65 years of age
- Diagnosis of GAD
- Able to speak, read, and write fluently in English
- Be willing and able to follow study procedures and provide informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
- Aims 1-3: Individuals will be excluded from participation if any of the following criteria are met:
- History of or medication for neurologic or psychiatric disease
- High-blood pressure or heart condition
- Diabetes, food allergies, metabolic disorders or history of eating disorder
- Use of corticosteroids or beta-blockers
- Pregnancy Aim 4: Individuals will be excluded from participation if any of the following criteria are met:
- High-blood pressure or heart condition
- Diabetes, food allergies, metabolic disorders or history of eating disorder
- Use of corticosteroids or beta-blockers
- Lifetime history of bipolar disorder or any psychotic disorder; substance use disorder in past 3 months; eating disorder in past 6 months; current major depressive disorder (past is allowed)
- Active suicidal ideation with plan and intent (indicated by score \>=4 on the Columbia Suicide Severity Scale)
- Not on stable dose of psychiatric medication for at least 4 weeks prior to study participation
Where
- New York, New York
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Dec 22, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations