Arbeitspapier

Sophistication about Self-Control

We propose a broadly applicable empirical approach to classify individuals as time-consistent versus naïve or sophisticated regarding their self-control limitations. Operationalizing our approach based on nationally representative data reveals that self-control problems are pervasive and that most people are at least partly aware of their limited self-control. Compared to naïfs, sophisticates have higher IQs, better educated parents, and are more likely to take up commitment devices. Accounting for both the level and awareness of self-control limitations has predictive power beyond one-dimensional notions of self-control that neglect awareness. Importantly, sophistication fully compensates for self-control problems when choices involve immediate costs and later benefits. Raising people's awareness of their own self-control limitations may thus assist them in overcoming any adverse consequences.

Sprache
Englisch

Erschienen in
Series: IZA Discussion Papers ; No. 14609

Klassifikation
Wirtschaft
Micro-Based Behavioral Economics: Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making‡
Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
Thema
self-control
sophistication
naïveté
commitment devices
present bias

Ereignis
Geistige Schöpfung
(wer)
Cobb-Clark, Deborah A.
Dahmann, Sarah C.
Kamhöfer, Daniel A.
Schildberg-Hörisch, Hannah
Ereignis
Veröffentlichung
(wer)
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)
(wo)
Bonn
(wann)
2021

Handle
Letzte Aktualisierung
10.03.2025, 11:46 MEZ

Datenpartner

Dieses Objekt wird bereitgestellt von:
ZBW - Deutsche Zentralbibliothek für Wirtschaftswissenschaften - Leibniz-Informationszentrum Wirtschaft. Bei Fragen zum Objekt wenden Sie sich bitte an den Datenpartner.

Objekttyp

  • Arbeitspapier

Beteiligte

  • Cobb-Clark, Deborah A.
  • Dahmann, Sarah C.
  • Kamhöfer, Daniel A.
  • Schildberg-Hörisch, Hannah
  • Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Entstanden

  • 2021

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