Assessing daily decision-making behavior: A two-dimensional orientation–intensity framework linking dual-process theory and psychological states

Human decision-making shifts between intuitive, automatic (System 1) and deliberative (System 2) processing. Although this dual-process theory has been widely discussed, how these processes function in real-world contexts and how strongly individuals engage in daily decision-making remains unclear. Most previous studies have examined trait-level preferences for intuition versus deliberation, leaving open questions about how these processes are dynamically allocated. Existing measures rarely capture both the direction of processing and the intensity of engagement. To address the gap between experimental tasks and everyday cognition, we developed a two-dimensional framework of daily decision-making: Orientation—reliance on System 1 vs. System 2—and Intensity—overall engagement. Japanese adults ( N = 500) rated System 1/2-oriented behaviors in novel and familiar contexts and evaluated their current decision-making. Factor analyses identified Orientation and Intensity as independent dimensions. Regression results showed that stronger System 2 orientation related to lower stress and negative affect but higher autonomy and interpersonal spaciousness, whereas greater Intensity related to higher well-being, autonomy, and psychological spaciousness. These findings indicate that Orientation and Intensity are distinct yet complementary, providing a dynamic, ecological account of everyday decision-making. Extending dual-process theory to real-world contexts, this framework highlights the relevance of both dimensions for understanding daily cognition and psychological experience.