The opposite effect of trait and state anxiety on Iowa Gambling Task

Abstract The impact of state/trait anxiety and worry on decision-making was investigated applying a computerized gambling task (Iowa Gambling Task). Besides, using two measures of knowledge about the task-contingencies, we examined the role of declarative knowledge in successful performance on the task and we tested whether the amount of declarative knowledge is related to anxiety. Results showed that trait anxiety has a negative impact, while state anxiety and worry have a positive impact on performance on the Iowa Gambling Task. Furthermore, responses on post-experiment survey suggest that those who perform better on the Iowa Gambling Task are more likely to form and report correct declarative knowledge about the task-rules. This ability, however, was not associated with anxiety.