However, when we are stressed and facing multiple options, any small advantage that one has over the other is amplified to help the accumbens decide. Suppose we are generally indifferent about Coke or Pepsi, but we have slightly better past experiences with Coke. That little bit of edge becomes amplified when we are stressed, increasing the likelihood that we will go with our favorite. This is an adaptive mechanism that helps our brain make a tough choice under pressure.
