Interoception decision and stress

This study introduced anticipatory feelings (AF), a novel physiological measure of interoception quantified via Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) during a guessing game, as a dynamic assessment of intuitive decision-making. We investigated the interplay between interoception, stress (using the Perceived Stress Scale), and decision-making (using the Iowa Gambling Task) in 35 business students. Results from a linear regression model indicated that higher AF scores significantly predicted better IGT performance (β = 0.046, p = .020), while elevated stress levels were associated with impaired IGT performance (β = -1.266, p = .024). Furthermore, engagement in yoga (β = 16.44, p = .006) and meditation (β = 11.00, p = .001) practices showed significant positive associations with IGT performance. Post-hoc power analysis for the regression model indicated adequate power (> .85) to detect the effects of yoga and meditation on IGT performance, but moderate power (.72) for the effect of AF. A one-way ANOVA comparing yoga practitioners to non-practitioners revealed a statistically significant higher level of IGT performance in the yoga group (p<.001, d = 1.01) with high power (1.00), but only a modest, albeit significant, difference in AF scores (p=.033, d = 0.43) with lower power (.67). These findings underscore the role of interoceptive awareness in navigating uncertainty and highlight the detrimental impact of stress on intuitive processes, while suggesting potential benefits of stress management practices for decision-making. This research advances understanding of how stress management can preserve and enhance intuitive decision-making in high-pressure professional environments.