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Can nudges save lives?

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  • Fumio Ohtake

    (Osaka University
    Osaka University)

Abstract

To assess the promotion of life saving behaviors and determine the sustainability of nudge message effects, this paper examines nudges that promote evacuation during heavy rainfall, preventative COVID-19 infection behaviors, and COVID-19 vaccination. The results showed that altruistic gain messages may have more sustained effects than others in promoting both evacuation during heavy rainfall and contact reduction behaviors as a measure against COVID-19 infection. Specifically, social influence nudges that use a gain frame to convey that a person’s behavior promotes the behavior of others are effective for both heavy rainfall evacuations and encouraging COVID-19 vaccination.

Suggested Citation

  • Fumio Ohtake, 2022. "Can nudges save lives?," The Japanese Economic Review, Springer, vol. 73(2), pages 245-268, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jecrev:v:73:y:2022:i:2:d:10.1007_s42973-021-00095-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s42973-021-00095-7
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