Personal Control and Cognitive Flexibility: Does Uncontrollability Reduce Flexible Shifting of Attention?

Acting and learning in unpredictable and volatile environments requires cognitive flexibility. However, the ability to flexibly adapt to the changing task environment can be reduced when people experience uncontrollability due to exposure to action – outcome non-contingency. In this research, we propose that flexible shifting of attention is affected by experiences of uncontrollability. In two studies, a lack of control was experimentally induced and subsequently cognitive flexibility was assessed either with a Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (Study 1) or a cognitive set-shifting paradigm (Study 2). Results showed a reduced tendency to flexibly shift attention and to overcome dominant response tendencies amongst participants who experienced uncontrollability. Modulation of the stability-flexibility balance by situationally induced experiences of uncontrollability is discussed.