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Securing the future: Threat to self-image spurs financial saving intentions.
1Coller School of Management, Tel-Aviv University.
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|April 9, 2019
Summary
Threats to self-image increase saving intentions by creating negative future expectations. This effect is moderated by beliefs about money
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Economics
- Consumer Behavior
Background:
- Self-image threats can impact future expectations and financial decisions.
- Understanding the psychological drivers of saving behavior is crucial for financial planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal link between self-image threat and saving intentions.
- To explore the psychological mechanisms and boundary conditions of this effect.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive research program involving a large-scale survey and six experiments.
- Manipulation of self-image threat and measurement of saving intentions and related psychological variables.
Main Results:
- Experiencing a self-image threat leads to negative future expectations and increased saving propensity.
- This effect is distinct from environmental threat impacts and stronger for individuals valuing money's instrumentality.
- Saving intentions are reduced by positive future expectations, social connections, and self-affirmation.
Conclusions:
- Self-image threats can be a significant, albeit indirect, driver of saving behavior.
- Psychological interventions can mitigate the impact of self-image threats on financial decisions.
- Future research should explore the long-term financial consequences of self-image threats.
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