Does Self-Control Foster Generosity? Evidence from Ego Depleted Children

Ugur Z. B.

Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics, vol.90, 2021 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 90
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.socec.2020.101652
  • Journal Name: Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, ABI/INFORM, CAB Abstracts, EconLit, Psycinfo, Veterinary Science Database
  • Keywords: Self-control, Donation, Altruism, Ego depletion
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

© 2020If people enjoy giving, then why do they not always give? This study examines whether self-control influences prosocial behavior among 316 young children. For this purpose, we experimentally elicited self-control, altruism, and cognitive skills. In line with previous studies, we find that the majority of children, like adults, tend to give away some of their endowments. Our main finding is that self-control is significantly associated with altruism. Using children's participation time to our game as an instrument, we show that self-control depletion leads to significantly lower altruism among children.