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Gender Differences in Learning about a Spouse’s Health: Field and Experimental Evidence

Author

Listed:
  • Ruo Jia

    (Peking University [Beijing])

  • Jiawei Mo

    (Peking University [Beijing])

  • Chang Zhang

    (Peking University [Beijing])

  • Jiakun Zheng

    (Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, AMSE, Marseille, France)

Abstract

Using field data from an insurtech firm and a survey experiment, this paper studies health belief formation within couples. We document a strong gender asymmetry: Women increase critical illness insurance purchases for their husbands after negative health signals of COVID-19, hospital visits, and unhealthy lifestyles but do not adjust coverage for themselves, while men do not respond to either. Experimental evidence reveals pervasive health overconfidence and shows that women update on husbands’ negative health information but not their own, whereas men update neither. The findings highlight gendered belief updating and the importance of household decision-makers in financial choices.

Suggested Citation

  • Ruo Jia & Jiawei Mo & Chang Zhang & Jiakun Zheng, 2026. "Gender Differences in Learning about a Spouse’s Health: Field and Experimental Evidence," AMSE Working Papers 2607, Aix-Marseille School of Economics, France.
    • Handle: RePEc:aim:wpaimx:2607
    Note: Working paper AMSE 2026-07
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    File URL: https://hal.science/hal-05551484/document
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • G41 - Financial Economics - - Behavioral Finance - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making in Financial Markets
    • G52 - Financial Economics - - Household Finance - - - Insurance
    • I13 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Insurance, Public and Private

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