Intact habit learning in work addiction: Evidence from a probabilistic sequence learning task

Pesthy, Zsuzsanna and Berta, Krisztina and Vékony, Teodóra and Németh, Dezső and Kun, Bernadette (2025) Intact habit learning in work addiction: Evidence from a probabilistic sequence learning task. ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS REPORTS, 21. No. 100589. ISSN 23528532

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Abstract

Work addiction (WA) is characterized by excessive and compulsive working patterns that detrimentally affect the individual’s health and functioning. While prior studies have indicated an overreliance on habit learning in various addictions, this study is the first to examine its role in WA. 104 adults were categorized into lowrisk and high-risk groups for WA based on their scores on the Work Addiction Risk Test. We used a probabilistic sequence learning task designed to assess habit learning through the implicit acquisition of structured patterns characterized by alternating sequences. No significant differences were observed between the groups, both in terms of accuracy and reaction time. These findings suggest that individuals with WA exhibit intact habit learning, indicating that the addictive nature of work behavior may not solely stem from habitual processes. This highlights the unique features of WA compared to other addictions, potentially contributing to the relatively better overall functioning observed in affected individuals.

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