Stress and Social Learning in Anhedonia: The Effect of CO2-Induced Physiological Arousal on Reward Learning in a Competitive Context (Ethics Reference: 4872)

We are recruiting volunteers for a study investigating individual differences in learning about rewards following both physiological and acute social stress.

If you are interested and eligible for the study, you will attend a single-session experiment at the Brain Research & Imaging Centre (BRIC; Science Park, Derriford, Plymouth, PL6 8BU). In summary, this 90-minute experiment involves responding to some standard scale questionnaires before completing a social learning task on a computer while breathing blocks of 7.5% CO2 or normal air. The CO2 inhalation model is an experimental paradigm that can induce the physiological symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate. This effect is normal and dissipates within a few minutes of breathing normal air. We will take measures of heart rate and skin conductance throughout the duration of the task.

You would be reimbursed between £15-25 (cash), depending on your performance in the task. 

If you are interested in participating, please complete the screening survey by following the link below. This should take 5-10 minutes. If you are eligible, you will be contacted directly via email to book your session.

Complete Survey