Dynamics of Risk Perception and Risk Behavior in Alcohol Use Disorder and Schizophrenia

• Applicants: Professorin Dr. Daniela Mier; Dr. Michael Odenwald
• Subject Area: Personality Psychology, Clinical and Medical Psychology, Methodology
• Term: from 2020 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 441553170

Identifying aspects of dysfunctional risk perception and behavior in mental disorders is integral in the comprehensive understanding of PEC cycle dynamics. P8 pursues this perspective for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and schizophrenia (SZ) as disorders characterized by risky, potentially harmful health-related behavior. Results of the first funding period suggest feedback processing as crucial factor, which modulates risk perception, risk behavior, and their relationship across PEC cycles. Accordingly, the planned project aims to further clarify how feedback relates to critical events (Exposure) and behavior (Coping) in modulating PEC cycle dynamics. Two intertwined work packages address the nature and mechanisms of feedback processing. WP1 will specify characteristics of risk-taking and social risk perception (Exposure) using hemodynamic neuroimaging to assess the neurophysiological underpinnings of risk processing. Using mobile technologies, WP2 studies individualized experience-proximal feedback in real-life contexts (Exposure) and its impact on risk perception and behavior (Coping) across PEC cycles. Both WPs define psychopathology as Preparedness factor, captured by comparing four experimental groups: patients with AUD, SZ, SZ+AUD, and healthy controls. Moreover, both WPs emphasize risk processing in social contexts. The planned studies go beyond the first funding period by a) examining risk processing across mental disorders, b) investigating risk processing in different contexts, c) assessing risk perception and behavior in real-life, allowing experience-proximal feedback, and d) measuring changes in risk processing based on experience-proximal feedback. Expected evidence on the role of feedback as central element will conceptually contribute to the specification of PEC cycle elements and their dynamic interaction in driving risk behavior, informs treatment strategies to improve risk awareness and coping with critical events in AUD and SZ and will contribute to reduce behavior that is harmful for their health.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Professorin Dr. Brigitte Rockstroh