Measuring Self-Control / John Ameriks, Andrew Caplin, John Leahy, Tom Tyler.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Ameriks, John.

Contributor:

National Bureau of Economic Research.

Caplin, Andrew.

Leahy, John.

Tyler, Tom.

Series:

Working Paper Series (National Bureau of Economic Research) no. w10514.

NBER working paper series no. w10514

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource: illustrations (black and white);

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, Mass. National Bureau of Economic Research 2004.

Summary:

How significant are individual differences in self-control? Do these differences impact wealth accumulation? From where do they derive? Our survey-based measure of self-control provides insights into all three questions: 1.There are individual differences in self-control not only of a quantitative but also of a qualitative nature. In our sample, standard self-control problems of over-consumption are no more prevalent than are problems of under-consumption. 2.Standard self-control problems do impede wealth accumulation, particularly in liquid form. Problems of under-consumption have the opposite effects. 3.Self-control is linked to conscientiousness' much studied by psychologists. There is a related link with financial planning.

Notes:

Print version record

May 2004.