title: Using fuzzy-trace theory to understand and improve health judgments, decisions, and behaviors: A literature review.
abstract: Fuzzy-trace theory is a dual-process model of memory, reasoning, judgment, and decision making that contrasts with traditional expectancy-value approaches. We review the literature applying fuzzy-trace theory to health with 3 aims: evaluating whether the theory's basic distinctions have been validated empirically in the domain of health; determining whether these distinctions are useful in assessing, explaining, and predicting health-related psychological processes; and determining whether the theory can be used to improve health judgments, decisions, or behaviors, especially compared to other approaches.
  
  
  
  We conducted a literature review using PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science to identify empirical peer-reviewed papers that applied fuzzy-trace theory, or central constructs of the theory, to investigate health judgments, decisions, or behaviors.
  
  
  
  Seventy nine studies (updated total is 94 studies; see Supplemental materials) were identified, over half published since 2012, spanning a wide variety of conditions and populations. Study findings supported the prediction that verbatim and gist representations are distinct constructs that can be retrieved independently using different cues. Although gist-based reasoning was usually associated with improved judgment and decision making, 4 sources of bias that can impair gist reasoning were identified. Finally, promising findings were reported from intervention studies that used fuzzy-trace theory to improve decision making and decrease unhealthy risk taking.
  
  
  
  Despite large gaps in the literature, most studies supported all 3 aims. By focusing on basic psychological processes that underlie judgment and decision making, fuzzy-trace theory provides insights into how individuals make decisions involving health risks and suggests innovative intervention approaches to improve health outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record
authors: Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
authors: Susan J
authors: 0000-0002-8750-3385
authors: SJ
authors: Blalock
authors: Human Neuroscience Institute, Cornell University.
authors: Valerie F
authors: VF
authors: Reyna
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000070379:Attentional Bias; D032882:Comprehension; D003463:Cues; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D007600:Judgment; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011340:Problem Solving; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012153:Retention, Psychology; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior