What happiness research can tell us about self-control problems and utility misprediction
By: by Alois Stutzer, Bruno S. Frey
Contributors: Frey, Bruno S.
Series: Discussion paper -- no. 1952; Discussion paper (Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit : Online) -- no. 1952
Publisher: IZA
Published: 2006
Place of publication: Bonn, Germany
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] /
Subjects: Utility theory; Self-control; Happiness; Neoclassical school of economics
Description: "Neoclassical economic theory rules out systematic errors in consumption choice. According to the basic view, individuals know what they choose. They are able to predict how much utility an activity or a good produces for them now and in the future and they can maximize their utility. This implies that behavior reveals consistent preferences. This approach makes it impossible to detect and understand sub-optimal consumption decisions, due to problems of self-control and the misprediction of utility. We propose the economics of happiness as a methodological approach to study these phenomena. Based on proxy measures for experienced utility, it is, in principle, possible to directly address whether some observed behavior is sub-optimal and is therefore reducing a person's well-being. We discuss recent evidence on smoking and eating habits, TV viewing and commuting choice"--Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit web site.
Notes: Title from PDF file as viewed on 2/13/2006.

Includes bibliographical references.

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