D.V. Atanassova MSc (Dimana)

My research investigates maladaptive decision-making in psychopathy by looking at the role of pain. Specifically, I aim to shed light on how individual sensitivity to pain and different psychopathic traits influence decisions to explore or exploit.

My project combines computational modeling, behavioural measures and psychophysiological methods to assess pain tolerance and sensitivity, psychopathic traits and decision-making and explore how these relate.

My research focuses on three primary questions:
1. How does one’s personal experience of pain affect decision-making and empathy?
2. How do psychopathic traits relate to decision-making and the experience of pain?
3. How do people differ in their sensitivity to different types of physical pain?