Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers nerve cells use to transmit signals to target cells. Neurotransmitters affect the behavioral aspects of investors' performance. Therefore, this study investigated neurotransmitters' effect on individual investors' behavior by using structural equation modeling. To achieve this goal, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis has been used. The study is applied research and utilizes a survey methodology. The required data were collected through the distribution of questionnaires among 315 individual investors. This study was done in the Tehran stock exchange's second and third seasons of 2023. According to the research, neurotransmitters through eight components of adrenaline or epinephrine, noradrenaline or norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric add), acetylcholine, glutamate, and endorphins affect the behavior of individual investors. Based on the second-order confirmatory factor analysis, the GABA component (0.39) has the highest impact, and adrenaline or epinephrine (0.25) has the least effect on the behavior of individual investors. The findings indicate the necessity of redefining rationality and considering its effects on investors' decisions and behavior.

Purpose: Neurotransmitters, emotional intelligence, and personality traits are the key factors that affect the behavior and decisions of individual investors. This study aimed to investigate the effects of neurotransmitters, emotional intelligence, and personality traits on the behavior and decisions of individual investors simultaneously, in the Tehran stock exchange. Design/methodology/approach: In terms of purpose, the current research was practical. In terms of method, it was a descriptive survey research. In terms of time, it was a cross-sectional research. The research data were collected through a questionnaire and convenience sampling method. The sample size was 212 individual investors. Composite reliability, average variance extracted, convergent validity and divergent validity were used to measure the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings: This study includes 19 constructs (variables). These constructs include dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine (neurotransmitters); Self-appraisal of emotions, other’s emotion appraisal, use of emotion and regulation of emotion (emotional intelligence); extraversion, neuroticism, openness, conscientiousness, and agreeableness (personality traits); investment horizon, risk attitude, personalization of loss, confidence, and control (investors' behavior); and investors' decisions. The current study includes six main hypotheses and 78 sub-hypotheses. The research findings showed that neurotransmitters, emotional intelligence, and personality traits affect the investors' behavior and decisions. Originality/value: The findings of this study showed that the neurofinance and behavioral finance have a key role in decision making of policymakers and investors. Finally, the findings of this study would provide new horizons in neurofinance and behavioral finance.