Mind-Wandering Enhances Learning under Uncertainty: Insights from Iowa Gambling Task.

Mind-wandering refers to the shift of attention towards task-unrelated thoughts. The current study aims to explore the impact of mind-wandering on learning and decision-making under uncertain circumstances. This study investigated the interplay of trait (spontaneous and deliberate) and state mind-wandering on learning and decision making using the Iowa Gambling Task. Intermittent thought probes were used to measure state mind wandering, and a standardised 8-item mind-wandering questionnaire was used to measure trait mind wandering. Results revealed that participants demonstrated enhanced learning across task trials when engaged in task-unrelated thoughts (mind-wandering). Furthermore, an interaction effect emerged between trait spontaneous mind-wandering and state mind-wandering, significantly predicting learning under uncertainty. Specifically, the beneficial impact of state mind-wandering on learning was most pronounced in individuals with moderate to high levels of spontaneous mind-wandering traits. However, there was no significant effect of mind-wandering on the percentage of risky choices. These findings suggest that spontaneous mind-wandering facilitates cognitive adaptability under uncertain environments, highlighting its adaptive role in learning processes.