The Impact of Depression on Social Decision-Making: Insights from Anhedonia

A study conducted in France found that individuals with depression are less inclined than healthy individuals to choose seats next to cheerful people, and this inclination is correlated with the intensity of their anhedonia symptoms. The experiment revealed that both healthy and depressive individuals tend to avoid sitting next to visibly angry people, preferring instead to sit beside those who appear happy. However, individuals with depression showed a weaker preference for sitting next to happy people. The study sheds light on the altered valuation and diminished willingness to exert effort in approach/avoidance decisions in socio-emotional contexts in depression.