Linking reinforcement learning, working memory, and choice dynamics to age and symptoms of anxiety and depression in adolescence.

ABSTRACT: Adolescence is a sensitive period characterized by significant neurocognitive development, with important implications for learning and decision-making. Working memory and reinforcement learning are essential for decision making and real-life dynamic adaptation to the environment and are often affected in individuals with anxiety and depression. Using a cognitive computational approach, we investigated associations between working memory, reinforcement learning, age, and symptoms of generalized anxiety and depression in 193 adolescents aged 12-24 years. Participants completed the Reinforcement Learning Working Memory (RLWM) task. To gain insight into the dynamics underlying instrumental learning behavior, we employed a computational model that combines the RLWM model with a Linear Ballisti

SUBMITTER: Frogner ER 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12549770 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature