Sophistication about self-control

Abstract

We use information on people’s ideal, predicted, and realized body weight to classify them as time-consistent versus naïve, and partially or fully sophisticated regarding their self-control limitations. Operationalizing this approach in population-representative data reveals that self-control problems are pervasive and that most people are at least partly aware of their limited self-control. Compared to naïfs, sophisticates have higher IQs, better educated parents, and are more likely to use potential commitment devices. Despite their self-control problems, sophisticated individuals make similar choices as time-consistent individuals when those choices involve immediate costs and later benefits. An increased awareness of one’s own self-control limitations may thus help in reducing their adverse consequences.