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Time and risk preferences of children predict health behaviors but not BMI

Author

Listed:
  • List, Greta
  • List, John A.
  • Ramirez, Lina M.
  • Samek, Anya

Abstract

We conduct experiments with 720 children ages 9–11 to evaluate the relationship of time and risk preferences with health. Children who are more patient report consuming fewer unhealthy calories and spending less time on sedentary activities such as video games. Children who are more risk seeking report engaging in more exercise and more screen time. However, time and risk preferences are not predictive of body mass index (BMI). Moreover, some of the negative health behaviors, such as screen time, are associated with lower – rather than higher – BMI.

Suggested Citation

  • List, Greta & List, John A. & Ramirez, Lina M. & Samek, Anya, 2022. "Time and risk preferences of children predict health behaviors but not BMI," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 218(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:218:y:2022:i:c:s0165176522002506
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2022.110724
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Risk preferences; Time preferences; Health; Children;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior

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    Access and download statistics

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