The Effect of Spontaneous and Deliberate Mind Wandering on Decision-Making Styles

Mind wandering (defined as the diversion of attention from a primary task) significantly impacts decision-making processes. This study investigates the contributions of mind-wandering and personality in shaping various decision-making styles. In our study, we assessed eight distinct decision styles using established scales. The Maximization Tendency Scale was used to measure the maximization decision style, while the Decision Styles Questionnaire captured spontaneous, dependent, vigilant, avoidant, brooding, intuitive, and anxious decision styles and two measures of decisional self-esteem: respected and confident. To evaluate mind-wandering tendencies at the trait level, we employed the Mind-Wandering Questionnaire, which differentiates between spontaneous and deliberate mind-wandering. Furthermore, personality traits were assessed using the Short Big Five Inventory. Self-report surveys were administered to a sample of 210 individuals, and the data were analyzed using canonical correlation and hierarchical multiple regression. Canonical correlation analysis indicated that increased spontaneous mind-wandering was linked to higher levels of neuroticism personality trait, along with avoidant, brooding, and anxious decision-making styles. Whereas, greater spontaneous mind-wandering reduced openness to experience and conscientiousness personality traits, along with respected, confident, vigilant, intuitive, and maximization decision-making styles. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that mind-wandering significantly predicted confident, vigilant, avoidant, brooding, and anxious decision-making styles. The findings are discussed from a resource control theory perspective.