Individual differences in time estimation are associated with delay discounting and alcohol use

Impact of self-control and time perception on intertemporal choices in gain and loss situations

Individuals frequently encounter dilemmas in which they must choose between smaller, immediate gains and larger, delayed rewards; this phenomenon is known as intertemporal choice. The present study analyzed the interplay of trait and state self-control and time perception tendencies (time overestimation vs. time underestimation) and how it influences the rates of selecting immediate options in both gain and loss situations by conducting an intertemporal choice task. Experiment 1 was used to explore the impact of trait self-control and time perception on intertemporal choices within gain and loss situations. In Experiment 2, the e-crossing task was used to induce self-control resource depletion in participants and to investigate the impact of self-control resources and time perception on intertemporal choices in gain and loss situations. The results indicate that (1) compared with the high-self-control group, the low-self-control group exhibited a greater tendency to choose immediate options. Additionally, the high time estimation group was more likely to opt for immediate choices than the low time estimation group was. Furthermore, participants were more likely to select immediate options in the loss situation than in the gain situation. (2) In the gain situation, the high time estimation group was more likely to choose immediate options than was the low time estimation group. However, in the loss situation, the difference between the two groups was nonsignificant. (3) Time perception and gain-loss situations exerted a moderating mediating effect on the impact of self-control resources on intertemporal choices. These findings shed light on the influence of both self-control abilities and self-control resources on intertemporal choices. They provide valuable insights into intertemporal decision behaviors across diverse contexts and indicate the need for rational analysis based on one's current state to mitigate cognitive biases to ensure individuals can maximize benefits in their daily lives.

Mechanisms of impulsive choice: Experiments to explore and models to map the empirical terrain

Impulsive choice is preference for a smaller-sooner (SS) outcome over a larger-later (LL) outcome when LL choices result in greater reinforcement maximization. Delay discounting is a model of impulsive choice that describes the decaying value of a reinforcer over time, with impulsive choice evident when the empirical choice-delay function is steep. Steep discounting is correlated with multiple diseases and disorders. Thus, understanding the processes underlying impulsive choice is a popular topic for investigation. Experimental research has explored the conditions that moderate impulsive choice, and quantitative models of impulsive choice have been developed that elegantly represent the underlying processes. This review spotlights experimental research in impulsive choice covering human and nonhuman animals across the domains of learning, motivation, and cognition. Contemporary models of delay discounting designed to explain the underlying mechanisms of impulsive choice are discussed. These models focus on potential candidate mechanisms, which include perception, delay and/or reinforcer sensitivity, reinforcement maximization, motivation, and cognitive systems. Although the models collectively explain multiple mechanistic phenomena, there are several cognitive processes, such as attention and working memory, that are overlooked. Future research and model development should focus on bridging the gap between quantitative models and empirical phenomena.

Time perception and alcohol use: A systematic review

Attentional, executive, and memory processes play a pivotal role in time perception. As acute or chronic alcohol consumption influences these processes, it should also modify time perception. We systematically reviewed and critically assessed all existing studies on time perception among alcohol drinkers, following the PICOS procedure and PRISMA guidelines. We selected 31 articles, distributed across four populations (i.e., alcohol intoxication, binge/heavy drinking, severe alcohol use disorder [SAUD], and Korsakoff syndrome). Several studies suggested the overestimation or underestimation of time during alcohol intoxication. No direct effect of binge/heavy drinking was observed on time perception, while studies on SAUD reported conflicting results. Participants with Korsakoff syndrome exhibited globally impaired time perception and marked deficits in associated cognitive abilities. This systematic review suggests that alcohol consumption affects time perception only when specific cognitive processes are depleted. However, due to the methodological limitations related to existing studies, no firm conclusion can be drawn. Guidelines and perspectives to advance the field are proposed.