Publications [#330812] of Gregory R. Samanez-Larkin

Journal Articles

1. Löckenhoff, CE; Rutt, JL; Samanez-Larkin, GR; O'Donoghue, T; Reyna, VF (2019). Preferences for Temporal Sequences of Real Outcomes Differ Across Domains but do not Vary by Age.. The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences, 74(3), 430-439. [doi]
   (last updated on 2025/06/16)

   Abstract:
   

   Objectives

   People's preferences for temporal sequences of events have implications for life-long health and well-being. Prior research suggests that other aspects of intertemporal choice vary by age, but evidence for age differences in sequence-preferences is limited and inconclusive. In response, the present research examined age differences in sequence-preferences for real outcomes administered in a controlled laboratory setting.

   Methods

   A pilot study examined sequence-preferences for aversive electrodermal shocks in 30 younger and 30 older adults. The main study examined sequence-preferences for electrodermal shocks, physical effort, and monetary gambles in an adult life-span sample (N = 120). It also examined emotional and physiological responses to sequences as well as underlying mechanisms including time perception and emotion-regulation.

   Results

   There were no significant age differences in sequence-preferences in either of the studies, and there were no age differences in responses to sequences in the main study. Instead, there was a domain effect with participants preferring decreasing sequences for shocks and mixed sequences for effort and money.

   Discussion

   After considering potential methodological limitations, theoretical contributions and implications for real-life decisions are discussed.