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The Role of Threat Sensitivity as a Mediator in the Relationship between Cognitive Conflict and Risk-Taking Behavior in Young Adults

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Role of Threat Sensitivity as a Mediator in the Relationship between Cognitive Conflict and Risk-Taking Behavior in Young Adults
Language: English
Authors: Yashasvi Walia, Rajnish Kumar Gupta (ORCID 0000-0001-9354-360X)
Source: Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications. 2025 10.
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 8
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Young Adults, College Students, Interference (Learning), Risk Assessment, Risk, Student Behavior, Cognitive Processes, Psychological Patterns, Decision Making, Intention
Geographic Terms: India
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: Stroop Color Word Test
DOI: 10.1186/s41235-025-00673-y
ISSN: 2365-7464
Abstract: Cognitive conflict and risk-taking behaviors are linked in complex ways. This study examined whether threat sensitivity explains the relationship between conflict monitoring and risk-taking in young adults. A sample of 204 university students (ages 18-25, mean = 20.55, SD = 2.14) completed a computerized Stroop task (cognitive conflict), the RT-18 questionnaire (risk-taking), and the TF-44 Trait Fear Scale (dispositional threat sensitivity). Pearson correlations indicated that greater Stroop interference score (higher conflict) was associated with lower self-reported risk-taking and higher threat sensitivity. In turn, higher threat sensitivity predicted reduced risk-taking. Mediation analysis confirmed that cognitive conflict influenced risk-taking indirectly through threat sensitivity. The direct effect of conflict on risk-taking was non-significant, whereas the indirect path via threat sensitivity was significant, suggesting an indirect-only (complete) mediation. These results suggest that individuals experiencing higher internal conflict become more vigilant toward potential threats, which in turn deters them from risky actions. Understanding this pathway could guide interventions (i.e., cognitive control or anxiety-management training) to reduce maladaptive risk behaviors in young adults.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1484438
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:Cognitive conflict and risk-taking behaviors are linked in complex ways. This study examined whether threat sensitivity explains the relationship between conflict monitoring and risk-taking in young adults. A sample of 204 university students (ages 18-25, mean = 20.55, SD = 2.14) completed a computerized Stroop task (cognitive conflict), the RT-18 questionnaire (risk-taking), and the TF-44 Trait Fear Scale (dispositional threat sensitivity). Pearson correlations indicated that greater Stroop interference score (higher conflict) was associated with lower self-reported risk-taking and higher threat sensitivity. In turn, higher threat sensitivity predicted reduced risk-taking. Mediation analysis confirmed that cognitive conflict influenced risk-taking indirectly through threat sensitivity. The direct effect of conflict on risk-taking was non-significant, whereas the indirect path via threat sensitivity was significant, suggesting an indirect-only (complete) mediation. These results suggest that individuals experiencing higher internal conflict become more vigilant toward potential threats, which in turn deters them from risky actions. Understanding this pathway could guide interventions (i.e., cognitive control or anxiety-management training) to reduce maladaptive risk behaviors in young adults.
ISSN:2365-7464
DOI:10.1186/s41235-025-00673-y