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Risk and time preferences following war evidence from Syrian children

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  • Uğur, Zeynep B.
  • Doğanay, Salih

Abstract

War causes disruption. In this study, we examine risk and time preferences of young children from Syria as they were exposed to the Syrian war. We measure children's risk and time preferences using incentivized games. To discern the effect of the war from other confounding effects, we compare children born in Syria and exposed to the war with children living in the Turkish side of the border and not exposed to the war. We find that conflict affects behavior. After controlling for demographics and cognitive ability, children exposed to the war take more risks. We do not find a significant impact of exposure to the war on time preferences or on impulsivity.

Suggested Citation

  • Uğur, Zeynep B. & Doğanay, Salih, 2024. "Risk and time preferences following war evidence from Syrian children," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 112(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceco:v:112:y:2024:i:c:s2214804324000806
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socec.2024.102242
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Risk-taking; Time preference; Syrian war;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles

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