Scientists probe how stress and pain shape your choices

NCT ID NCT05666726

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study looks at how negative emotions like stress, pain, and frustration change the way people make decisions. Healthy adults aged 18 to 55 will experience different emotional triggers—such as heat, cold, or math problems—and then perform computer tasks while their brain activity is measured. The goal is to understand the link between emotions, thinking, and behavior, which may help improve diagnosis and treatment for mental disorders.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this research could help scientists better understand how emotions affect choices, potentially guiding future treatments for mental health disorders.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study with no treatment being tested. Results may not directly apply to people with mental health conditions, and the findings are exploratory.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CRAVING EMOTIONS FRUSTRATION PAIN STRESS

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
RECRUITING

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.