Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Study shows why it is so scary to lose money

This study looked at two women with brain lesions resulting from Urbach-Wiethe disease, which damages the amygdala. Compared to controls, the two women with amygdala damage were much more likely to make large gambles with their own money. Researchers contend that the amygdala, which is part of the brain implicated in fear response (see figure), also plays a role in making us cautious when it comes to money. This small-scale study is important because it paves the way for future research that looks at differential gambling behaviors in people based on genetic and environmental factors. Future research may provide insight into the mechanisms involved in the brains of chronic gamblers and other such excessive risk-takers.




John O'Callaghan, www.reuters.com, 8 February, 2010
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2 comments:

  1. Faith XuFebruary 8, 2011 at 1:31 PM

    Considering the findings in this study, it could be argued that cautiousness with money can be related to the fear of losing money. The fear of losing money may have its basis in the fact that money is an important part of life and people cannot operate or obtain many necessary things in life (such as food, shelter, etc) without money. Thus, it makes sense that this may trigger the fear effect.

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  2. JulieFebruary 25, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    This is a thought-provoking piece, and I am curious about how the PFC plays into these decisions. I wonder if gambling addicts with said lesions/impairments could be treated with neuroscientific methods

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