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Optimal self-protection and health risk perception: bridging the gap between risk theory and the Health Belief Model

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  • Emmanuelle Augeraud-Véron
  • Marc Leandri

Abstract

In this contribution to the longstanding risk theory debate on optimal self-protection, we aim to bridge the gap between the microeconomic modeling of self-protection, in the wake of Ehrlich and Becker (1972), and the Health Belief Model, a conceptual framework extremely influential in Public Health studies (Janz and Becker, 1984). In doing so, we highlight the crucial role of risk perception in the individual decision to adopt a preventive behavior towards a generic health risk. We discuss the optimal prevention effort engaged by an agent displaying either imperfect knowledge of the susceptibility (probability of occurrence) or the severity (magnitude of the loss) of a health hazard, or facing uncertainty on these risk components. We assess the impact of risk aversion and prudence on the optimal level of self-protection, an issue at the core of the risk and insurance economic literature. Our results also pave the way for the design of efficient information instruments to improve health prevention when risk perceptions are biased.

Suggested Citation

  • Emmanuelle Augeraud-Véron & Marc Leandri, 2023. "Optimal self-protection and health risk perception: bridging the gap between risk theory and the Health Belief Model," EconomiX Working Papers 2023-12, University of Paris Nanterre, EconomiX.
    • Handle: RePEc:drm:wpaper:2023-12
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Prevention; Self-protection; Health Belief Model; Risk perception; Risk aversion; Prudence;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • D9 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics

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