The somatic marker framework as a neurological theory of decision-making: Review, conceptual comparisons, and future neuroeconomics research

A great deal of contemporary decision research in economics, business, psychology, and neuroscience now accepts the idea that emotions play a significant role in decision-making. Almost 20 years ago, insights from studies on brain lesion patients set the cornerstone for this stream of research and led to the formulation of the somatic marker hypothesis. Despite some debate, the somatic marker framework is still providing a unique neuroanatomical and cognitive framework that helps explain the role of emotion in decision-making. In this article, we review the neurological background, core mechanisms, and critiques of the somatic marker theory, put into perspective conceptually related approaches that link emotion to decision-making, and present an outlook for future neuroeconomics research.