Ongoing, recruitingTherapeutic use (Phase IV)Interventional

Understanding the Neurobiology of Pharmacologically-induced Acute Stress on Ethical Decisions

This research aims to understand how stress influences the way people make ethical decisions. Participants will be given everyday medications like hydrocortisone to temporarily create a feeling of stress, similar to what you might experience in daily life. Researchers will then observe how this temporary stress affects their choices in tasks that involve tricky moral situations. We want to see if stress changes how people weigh different options – for example, if they make decisions based on what benefits the most people, or if they stick strictly to rules, or try to find a middle ground. The study also explores how stress might affect clear thinking and rational choices.

At a glance

Status

Ongoing, recruiting

Phase

Therapeutic use (Phase IV)

Sponsor

Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht

Enrolment target

100

Start

25 Apr 2024

Mimic an acute stress response in humans.

What is this study about?

This study is trying to understand more about how our brains work when we're under stress, particularly when we have to make difficult choices that involve right and wrong. We've all experienced stress, and it can change how we think and act. This research aims to look closely at how a temporary feeling of stress affects decisions that have an ethical side to them.

To do this, the study uses medications that are already approved and commonly used, like hydrocortisone. These medications are given in a controlled way to create a feeling of stress for a short time. This isn't meant to be extreme stress, but rather a temporary, manageable level that allows researchers to observe changes in decision-making without causing harm. The main goal is to carefully watch what kind of choices people make in specific tasks designed to test moral judgment.

Researchers are interested in various types of ethical choices: sometimes people make decisions based on what's best for the most people (utilitarian), sometimes they stick to strict rules (deontological), and sometimes they find a way to compromise. This study will measure how many of these different types of choices are made when someone is temporarily stressed. They also want to see if stress makes it harder for people to make logical or 'rational' choices.

Key takeaways

This study investigates how stress affects ethical decision-making.
Common medications like hydrocortisone are used to create temporary, mild stress.
Participation involves making choices in special tasks.
Researchers will observe how stress changes your decision-making, memory, and impulse control.
The study aims to improve our understanding of the brain's response to stress.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you must be at least 18 years old. Both men and women are welcome to take part.

There are no upper age limits, so adults of all ages are encouraged to consider participating if they meet the other requirements. Because the study involves giving medication, there will be other health checks to make sure it's safe for you to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you comfortable potentially taking commonly used medications?
Are you prepared to engage in tasks involving decision-making and problem-solving?
Are you willing to discuss your health history with the study team to ensure your safety?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will be given some common medications, including YOCORAL 5 mg tablets and Hydrocortisone Teva 10 mg tablets, along with a 'dummy' tablet (cellulose) at different times. These are given to temporarily create a mild stress response so researchers can observe its effects. You will then complete various tasks that involve making choices, especially those related to ethical scenarios. These tasks will also assess your memory, impulse control, and how you take risks. Researchers will count the different kinds of choices you make and how consistently you make them. The study is a single phase of research focusing on how well these medications help researchers study stress effects in specific situations. The full duration of your involvement will be explained by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in research always carries some potential risks and benefits. A potential benefit of this study is contributing to our understanding of how stress impacts decision-making, which could help in various fields. The risks are expected to be low, as the medications used are common and will be given in controlled amounts to create a temporary, mild stress response. You might feel a temporary mild increase in stress or some minor side effects from the medication. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Netherlands

Common questions

What kind of ethical decisions will I be asked to make?

You'll be asked to complete tasks with scenarios where you'll need to choose between different options, some of which might involve difficult moral choices or dilemmas.

Will the stress I feel be intense or harmful?

No, the study aims to create a temporary, mild stress response using approved medications. It's not designed to cause extreme or harmful stress.

What are 'utilitarian' or 'deontological' choices?

These are different ways people make decisions. Utilitarian means choosing what helps the most people, while deontological means sticking to a set of rules, regardless of the outcome. You don't need to know these terms to participate, just to make your choices naturally.

Will I know if I received the actual medication or the 'dummy' tablet?

To ensure accurate results, this information is usually kept secret from participants and often even the study team until the end of the study. This is called 'blinding'.

How long will my participation last?

The full duration of your participation, including any visits and tasks, will be clearly explained by the study team before you agree to join.