Book contents
- Cognitive Neuroscience of Decision-Making
- Cognitive Neuroscience of Decision-Making
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Glossary
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Executive Function and Cognitive Control
- 3 The Prefrontal Cortex
- 4 Prefrontal Cortex Structure and Organisation
- 5 Neurotransmitters and Neurophysiology
- 6 Memory
- 7 Decision Networks
- 8 Decision-Making Styles and Models of Decision-Making
- 9 Development
- 10 The Role of Childhood Experiences in Decision-Making
- 11 Decision-Making Deficits
- 12 Implications of Decision-Making
- Index
- References
10 - The Role of Childhood Experiences in Decision-Making
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 14 November 2025
Book contents
- Cognitive Neuroscience of Decision-Making
- Cognitive Neuroscience of Decision-Making
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Glossary
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Executive Function and Cognitive Control
- 3 The Prefrontal Cortex
- 4 Prefrontal Cortex Structure and Organisation
- 5 Neurotransmitters and Neurophysiology
- 6 Memory
- 7 Decision Networks
- 8 Decision-Making Styles and Models of Decision-Making
- 9 Development
- 10 The Role of Childhood Experiences in Decision-Making
- 11 Decision-Making Deficits
- 12 Implications of Decision-Making
- Index
- References
Summary
Childhood is an important time for cognitive development, during which time many factors can influence the development of complex functions like decision-making. The relationship between the HPA axis and stress reactions is of particular relevance in the development of decision-making. Fear signals activate the HPA axis, which results in cortisol production. Cortisol acts with adrenaline to form memories associated with emotional responses. This system develops early on and is dependent on exposure to stressful situations. Over activation during development, such as in cases of overexposure to stress, can result in elevated cortisol. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are understood to impact a range of cognitive function; however, the relationship between negative childhood experiences and decision-making is not a linear one; research is ongoing to unravel the complexities of this relationship.
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- Cognitive Neuroscience of Decision-Making , pp. 112 - 126Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2025
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