Sophistication about self-control

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Cobb-Clark, Deborah A.; Dahmann, Sarah C.; Kamhoefer, Daniel A.; Schildberg-Hoerisch, Hannah
• 署名单位: University of Sydney; University of Melbourne; Heinrich Heine University Dusseldorf; IZA Institute Labor Economics; Leibniz Association; Ifo Institut
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0047-2727
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2024.105196
• 发表日期: 2024
• 关键词: self-control; Sophistication; Na & iuml; vet & eacute; Commitment devices; Present focus

摘要

We use information on people's ideal, predicted, and realized body weight to classify them as time-consistent versus na & iuml;ve, and partially or fully sophisticated regarding their self-control limitations. Operationalizing this approach in population-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 na & iuml;fs, sophisticates have higher IQs, better educated parents, and are more likely to use potential commitment devices. Despite their self-control problems, sophisticated individuals make similar choices as time-consistent individuals when those choices involve immediate costs and later benefits. An increased awareness of one's own self-control limitations may thus help in reducing their adverse consequences.