Time Discounting and Hand-Sanitization Behavior: Evidence from Japan

Whether non-compliance with hand sanitization is related to impatience or impulsivity an unresolved issue. Several studies have argued that not maintaining requirements during a pandemic could relate impulsivity. However, the of needs be investigated in pandemic-free situations, as government for influence subjective preferences. Little research, however, has examined such associations pandemic-neutral scenarios. To fill this gap, study assesses role two aspects time discounting—hyperbolic discounting and impatience—in influencing hand-sanitizing behavior Japan. The utilized waves 2021 2018 datasets derived from Japanese population-based survey Preference Parameters Study Osaka University (N = 725). probit regression results provide partial support deviation impulsive decision because phenomenon evident only females. There were no notable impacts variable any models specifications. Our provides important policy implications. We argue one-size-fits-all policies may solve associated hand-sanitization Japan problem commonly found among all respondents. Policymakers should consider underlying gender differences when designing future health-promoting measures.