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The evolution of risk attitudes: A panel study of the university years

Author

Listed:
  • Catherine Eckel

    (Texas A&M University)

  • Rick Wilson

    (Rice University)

  • Nanyin Yang

    (University of Sydney)

Abstract

We analyze a unique longitudinal dataset of university students to investigate the stability of risk preferences over a five-year period. Our findings indicate that subjects’ risk tolerance, as measured by incentivized lottery choices, tends to increase over time, while it moves in the opposite direction when assessed through a non-incentivized survey question. Furthermore, we exploit the COVID-19 pandemic to explore the impact of negative experiences and emotions on the temporal changes in subjects’ risk preferences. Our analysis reveals that, within the same group of respondents, the risk tolerance elicited by the incentivized measure proves to be more stable, whereas the survey measure exhibits greater sensitivity, declining in response to negative shocks. These results enhance our understanding of how risk preferences evolve over time and emphasize the importance of employing appropriate measurement methods when investigating risk attitudes.

Suggested Citation

  • Catherine Eckel & Rick Wilson & Nanyin Yang, 2025. "The evolution of risk attitudes: A panel study of the university years," Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, Springer, vol. 70(3), pages 225-248, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jrisku:v:70:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s11166-025-09457-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s11166-025-09457-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thomas Dohmen & Armin Falk & Bart H. H. Golsteyn & David Huffman & Uwe Sunde, 2017. "Risk Attitudes Across The Life Course," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 127(605), pages 95-116, October.
    2. Shanike J. Smart & Solomon W. Polachek, 2024. "COVID-19 vaccine and risk-taking," Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, Springer, vol. 68(1), pages 25-49, February.
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    13. Anwesha Bandyopadhyay & Lutfunnahar Begum & Philip J. Grossman, 2021. "Gender differences in the stability of risk attitudes," Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, Springer, vol. 63(2), pages 169-201, October.
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    JEL classification:

    • C9 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty

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