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Happiness and Cooperation

Author

Listed:
  • Proto, Eugenio

    (University of Warwick, CAGE and IZA)

  • Sgroi, Daniel

    (University of Warwick, CAGE and Nuffield College, University of Oxford)

  • Nazneen, Mahnaz

    (University of Warwick)

Abstract

According to existing research across several disciplines (management, psychology, economics and neuroscience), positive mood can have positive effects, engendering more altruistic, open and helpful behaviour, but can also work though a more negative channel by inducing inward-orientation, assertiveness, and reduced use of information. This leaves the impact on cooperation in interactive and strategic situations unclear. We find evidence from 490 participants in a laboratory experiment suggesting that participants in an induced positive mood cooperate less in a repeated Prisoner’s Dilemma than participants in a neutral setting. This is robust to the number of repetitions or the inclusion of pre-play communication. In order to understand why positive mood might damage the propensity to cooperate, we conduct a language analysis of the pre-play communication between players. This analysis indicates that subjects in a more positive mood use more inward-oriented and more negative language which supports the negative channel.

Suggested Citation

  • Proto, Eugenio & Sgroi, Daniel & Nazneen, Mahnaz, 2017. "Happiness and Cooperation," CAGE Online Working Paper Series 347, Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy (CAGE).
    • Handle: RePEc:cge:wacage:347
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    File URL: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/economics/research/centres/cage/manage/publications/347-2017_proto_sgroi_nazneen.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. repec:cup:judgdm:v:1:y:2006:i::p:33-47 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Mónica C. Capra, 2004. "Mood-Driven Behavior in Strategic Interactions," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 94(2), pages 367-372, May.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    positive mood; affect; happiness; mood induction procedures; co-operation; repeated Prisoner’s Dilemma; social preferences; social dilemmas; cognitive skills; productivity; inward-orientation; language analysis JEL Classification: C72 (cooperative games); C91 (laboratory experiments); D91 (role and effects of psychological; emotional; social; and cognitive factors on decision making); J24 (productivity); J28 (life satisfaction);
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy

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