Development of ambiguity aversion from early adolescence to adulthood: New insights from the Ellsberg paradox

Abstract

This research aimed to clarify whether middle adolescents’ risk-taking is driven by reduced ambiguity aversion. In Study 1, we explored the development of ambiguity aversion using an adaptation of the classic Ellsberg paradox with early adolescents (10–11 years old), middle adolescents (14–16 years old), and young adults (20–25 years old). Study 2 examined the development of ambiguity aversion depending on the ambiguity level in middle adolescence compared with adults. These two studies revealed that only early adolescents did not demonstrate ambiguity aversion. In contrast, middle adolescents and adults showed strong ambiguity aversion irrespective of ambiguity level. These findings support the idea that the period of young adolescence could be the start of ambiguity aversion development, although this tendency to avoid ambiguous options is already developed in middle adolescence. This finding might have important public health implications and suggests that prevention campaigns should consider early adolescence to be a particularly vulnerable age group for risky behaviors.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Schema Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Ambiguity Tolerance in Male High School Students

“…In contrast, those with high ambiguity tolerance seek appropriate and logical solutions to escape ambiguous conditions (Blankenstein et al, 2021;Blankenstein & van Duijvenvoorde, 2019;Bratton et al, 2005). Ambiguity tolerance is defined by how individuals process, interpret, and react to information from stimuli perceived as ambiguous (McLain et al, 2015;Osmont & Cassotti, 2022;Radmehr & Karami, 2019). Ambiguity tolerance can serve as a theoretical framework for examining risk-taking and reactions in various contexts.…”

“…Krein and Gottaimer believe that intolerance of ambiguity is a trait that is a key characteristic of psychological disorders in adolescents (Osmont & Cassotti, 2022). Individuals who cannot tolerate ambiguity quickly make decisions when faced with a problem, often resulting in failure.…”

“…Conversely, those with high ambiguity tolerance successfully deal with unstructured situations or those with unclear outcomes. In this context, ambiguity tolerance can foster a willingness to accept different experiences or uncertain situations (Osmont & Cassotti, 2022). Intolerance of ambiguity refers to the inability to endure aversive responses triggered by the perception of a lack of prominent, key, and important information, believed to be reinforced by the perception of uncertainty.…”

“…Various studies have shown that intolerance of ambiguity is a common and transdiagnostic factor playing a role in various behavioral disorders. An individual with low ambiguity tolerance feels uncomfortable when encountering complex and difficult situations and, due to a defective cognitive cycle, cannot find an appropriate solution and eventually withdraws from the task (Osmont et al, 2021;Osmont & Cassotti, 2022). Adolescents with low ambiguity tolerance often experience anxiety and mental conflict in ambiguous situations and fail to process new evidence.…”

Investigating ESL students' perceptions of ambiguity tolerance-An Analytical case study at Jizan University KSA

“…The relationship between tolerance of ambiguity levels and perspectives. To ensure a more representative and balanced set of responses to the questionnaire, the 34). As a result, the findings may have been influenced and skewed.…”