Chronotype, Risk and Time Preferences, and Financial Behaviour

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of chronotype on the delinquent credit card payments and stock market participation through preference channels. Using an online survey of 455 individuals who have been working for 3 to 8 years in companies in mainland China, the results reveal that morningness is negatively associated with delinquent credit card payments. Morningness also indirectly predicts delinquent credit card payments through time preference, but this relationship only exists when individuals’ monthly income is at a low and average level. On the other hand, financial risk preference accounts for the effect of morningness on stock market participation. Consequently, an additional finding is that morningness is positively associated with financial risk preference, which contradicts previous findings in the literature. Finally, based on the empirical evidence, we discuss the plausible mechanisms that may drive these relationships and the implications for theory and practice. The current study contributes to the literature by examining the links between circadian typology and particular financial behaviour of experienced workers.

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“…Attitudes toward risk determine the level of household debt (Brown et al, 2013 ). Risk preference increases the probability of taking risky debt decisions (Jiangqun and Xiaoyan, 2012 ; Wang et al, 2018 ). Avoiding the negative consequences of borrowing risks can protect from wrong debt decisions.…”