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Skipping your workout, again? Measuring and understanding time inconsistency in physical activity

Author

Listed:
  • Diarmaid Ó Ceallaigh

    (Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin)

  • Kirsten I.M. Rohde

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam and Maastricht University)

  • Hans van Kippersluis

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

Abstract

Anecdotally, physical activity appears to be a textbook example of time in- consistency, which is the failure to follow through on ex-ante preferences and plans. Interestingly, our longitudinal survey finds that, over a fort- night, exercising more than preferred/planned is actually more prevalent than exercising less. However, over time a majority of our sample exercise less than preferred/planned in at least one of two consecutive fortnights. We find little evidence that time inconsistency is associated with present bias, its most popular explanation in economics. We find instead that it is associated with time-varying affective psychological processes such as willpower and temptations.

Suggested Citation

  • Diarmaid Ó Ceallaigh & Kirsten I.M. Rohde & Hans van Kippersluis, 2024. "Skipping your workout, again? Measuring and understanding time inconsistency in physical activity," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 24-028/V, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20240028
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior

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