Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/107773 
Year of Publication: 
2015
Series/Report no.: 
Economics Discussion Papers No. 2015-19
Publisher: 
Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW), Kiel
Abstract: 
Why do some people think they will behave differently in the future? Building on research on dynamic inconsistency and age related preferences, this paper introduces the concept that inconsistent intertemporal preferences are directly related to age. In previous studies, standard socioeconomic variables such as age have had mixed results in predicting hyperbolic discounting (a behavior that consists of impatience now but projected patience in the future). By incorporating both demographic and behavioral variables, a clearer picture emerges. The findings from observations of a large sample of college graduates indicate that emerging adults are more likely to exhibit hyperbolic discounting behavior than adults over the age of 30. Among emerging adult respondents, lower incomes and more naïve self-assessments are determinants of hyperbolic discounting behavior. Recognizing demographic trends is critical since studies show that hyperbolic discounting affects financial and planning decisions and that specially designed tools may help hyperbolic discounters follow through with plans (Ashraf, et. al. 2006).
Subjects: 
Hyperbolic discounting
Emerging adults
Generation Y
Dynamic inconsistency
Intertemporal preferences
JEL: 
D1
D9
J1
Creative Commons License: 
cc-by Logo
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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