Childhood unpredictability and the development of exploration.

ABSTRACT: Early in development, the process of exploration helps children gather new information that fosters learning about the world. Yet, it is unclear how childhood experiences may influence the way humans approach new learning. What influences decisions to exploit known, familiar options versus trying a novel alternative? We found that childhood unpredictability, characterized by unpredictable caregiving and unstable living environments, was associated with reduced exploratory behavior. This effect holds while controlling for individual differences, including anxiety and stress. Individuals who perceived their childhoods as unpredictable explored less and were instead more likely to repeat previous choices (habitual responding). They were also more sensitive to uncertainty than to potential rew

SUBMITTER: Xu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10710094 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature