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Taboo trade-off aversion in choice behaviors: A discrete choice model and application to health-related decisions

Author

Listed:
  • Smeele, Nicholas V.R.
  • van Cranenburgh, Sander
  • Donkers, Bas
  • Schermer, Maartje H.N.
  • de Bekker-Grob, Esther W.

Abstract

Taboo trade-offs can explain some of the (moral) difficulties in healthcare decision-making. The moral psychology literature suggests that individuals are averse to making trade-offs between attributes belonging to different values, such as (sacred) human lives versus (secular) money. We demonstrate and empirically test a discrete choice model designed to capture Taboo Trade-off Aversion (TTOA) behaviors in the healthcare domain.

Suggested Citation

  • Smeele, Nicholas V.R. & van Cranenburgh, Sander & Donkers, Bas & Schermer, Maartje H.N. & de Bekker-Grob, Esther W., 2025. "Taboo trade-off aversion in choice behaviors: A discrete choice model and application to health-related decisions," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 386(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:386:y:2025:i:c:s0277953625009372
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118606
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