Cited by 1,021Decision-Making and Behavioral EconomicsGambling Behavior and TreatmentsSubstance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

Delayed reward discounting and addictive behavior: a meta-analysis

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MacKillop, James, Amlung, Michael T., Few, Lauren R., Ray, Lara A., Sweet, Lawrence H., Munafò, Marcus R.·2011·Psychopharmacology

Abstract

Rationale Delayed reward discounting (DRD) is a behavioral economic index of impulsivity and numerous studies have examined DRD in relation to addictive behavior. To synthesize the findings across the literature, the current review is a meta-analysis of studies comparing DRD between criterion groups exhibiting addictive behavior and control groups.Objectives The meta-analysis sought to characterize the overall patterns of findings, systematic variability by sample and study type, and possible small study (publication) bias.Methods Literature reviews identified 310 candidate articles from which 46 studies reporting 64 comparisons were identified (total N=56,013).Results From the total comparisons identified, a small magnitude effect was evident (d= .15; p< .00001) with very high heterogeneity of effect size. Based on systematic observed differences, large studies assessing DRD with a small number of self-report items were removed and an analysis of 57 comparisons (n=3,329) using equivalent methods and exhibiting acceptable heterogeneity revealed a medium magnitude effect (d= .58; p< .00001). Further analyses revealed significantly larger effect sizes for studies using clinical samples (d= .61) compared with studies using nonclinical samples (d=.45). Indices of small study bias among the various comparisons suggested varying levels of influence by unpublished findings, ranging from minimal to moderate.Conclusions These results provide strong evidence of greater DRD in individuals exhibiting addictive behavior in general and particularly in individuals who meet criteria for an addictive disorder. Implications for the assessment of DRD and research priorities are discussed.

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  • Numerous studies have examined delayed reward discounting in substance use disorder.

    “Delayed reward discounting is a behavioural economic index of impulsivity and numerous studies have examined delayed reward discounting in substance use disorder [33, 34].”
  • As a group, individuals who smoke consistently show higher DD rates than controls do.

    “For example, as a group, individuals who smoke consistently show higher DD rates than controls do (Amlung & MacKillop, 2014; MacKillop et al., 2011).”

    From Behavioral trainings and manipulations to reduce delay discounting: A systematic review (2019) · cites this paper as MacKillop et al., 2011

  • Discount rate is highly correlated with a variety of health behaviors and disorders, with medium effect sizes across studies.

    “Supporting this belief, discount rate is highly correlated with a variety of health behaviors and disorders, with medium effect sizes across studies (Amlung, Petker, Jackson, Balodis, & MacKillop, 2016; Jackson & MacKillop, 2016; MacKillop et al., 2011).”

    From Behavioral trainings and manipulations to reduce delay discounting: A systematic review (2019) · cites this paper as MacKillop et al., 2011

  • Steep discounting of delayed rewards is correlated with most substance-use disorders, their severity, relapse to drug use, and many other maladaptive health-related decisions.

    “Steeply discounting delayed rewards is correlated with most substance-use disorders, the severity of these disorders, rates of relapse to drug use, and a host of other maladaptive decisions impacting human health.”
  • Evidence across studies suggests delay discounting predisposes people to addictions rather than the reverse causal direction.

    “evidence across studies suggests that delay discounting predisposes people to addictions rather than the reverse causal direction.190”

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Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. American Psychiatric Association 2000 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) American Psychiatric Association Arlington

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Authors
MacKillop, J., Amlung, M. T., Few, L. R., Ray, L. A., Sweet, L. H., & Munafò, M. R.
Affiliations
  • University of Georgia (US)
  • University of California, Los Angeles (US)
  • Brown University (US)
Corresponding author
MacKillop, James
Venue
Psychopharmacology
Published
2011-03-04
Volume
216
Issue
3
Pages
305-321
ISSN
  • 0033-3158 (ISSN-L)
  • 1432-2072
OpenAlex
W1996296330
Cited by
1,021
References
133
Citations by year
2026: 59 · 2025: 62 · 2024: 65 · 2023: 47 · 2022: 67 · 2021: 79 · 2020: 85 · 2019: 91 · 2018: 87 · 2017: 89 · 2016: 80 · 2015: 72 · 2014: 56 · 2013: 50 · 2012: 25
FWCI
4.81
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Psychopharmacology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
  • Bristol Research (University of Bristol) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • National Institute for Health and Care Research
  • British Heart Foundation
  • Economic and Social Research Council (ES/G007489/1)
  • National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (AA 016936, K23AA016936)
  • National Institute on Drug Abuse (P30DA027827)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › General Decision Sciences › Decision-Making and Behavioral Economics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Gambling Behavior and Treatments
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
Keywords
delay discounting, addictive behavior, impulsivity, addiction, behavioral economics, impulsivity assessment, publication bias
MeSH terms
Alcohol Drinking, Decision Making, Humans, Models, Psychological, Reward, Behavior, Addictive, Substance-Related Disorders

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