| By: |
Cobb-Clark, Deborah A. (University of Sydney);
Lepinteur, Anthony (University of Luxembourg);
Menta, Giorgia (LISER) |
| Abstract: |
This paper examines the stability of self-control over time using
nationally-representative longitudinal data from Australia. We track the same
individuals between 2019 and 2023, a period encompassing one of the most
disruptive global crisis in recent history: the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite
these extraordinary circumstances, self-control remained remarkably stable:
its mean and distribution were unchanged, and individuals largely preserved
their relative positions. Within-person changes were small, and unrelated to
variations in state-level exposure to both the spread of the virus and the
policy responses that ensued. The evidence we report suggests that
self-control is a deeply rooted, trait-like characteristic that persists even
under extreme societal stress. |
| Keywords: |
stability, HILDA, self-control, COVID-19 |
| JEL: |
D91 D01 |
| Date: |
2025–11 |
| URL: |
https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18270 |