Department or Program
Economics
Abstract
Future Self-Continuity (FSC) influences intertemporal choice (ITC), with stronger connections to one’s future self promoting beneficial behaviors like saving and exercising, while discouraging procrastination and impulsive consumption. However, research that compares FSC with other factors, such as impulsivity, and examines the role of time scale, remains limited. Additionally, adolescents, particularly vulnerable to academic procrastination, are underrepresented in the literature. This thesis addresses these gaps through three studies. In Study 1, we explore the relationship between FSC and ITC through an online experiment. Ninety-two participants were randomly assigned to one of three time-scale conditions and completed surveys assessing FSC, impulsivity (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale), and ITC (incentivized choice task). Study 2, an online experiment with 91 participants, evaluates the effectiveness of a behavioral intervention—letter exchange—in enhancing FSC. Study 3 uses a field experiment to assess whether the letter exchange intervention can enhance FSC among high school students and reduce academic procrastination. Results show that: 1) neither Future Self-Continuity (FSC) nor impulsivity is a strong predictor of intertemporal choices; 2) letter exchange with one’s future self in the long-term future enhances FSC; but 3) the intervention did not reduce time discounting or procrastination behaviors, neither general nor academic. These studies deepen our understanding of ITC mechanisms and provide insights into interventions for reducing procrastination in both adolescent and adult populations.
Level of Access
Open Access
First Advisor
Goff, Sandra H.
Date of Graduation
5-2025
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Recommended Citation
Wu, Youer, "Connecting with Your Future Self: Behavioral Interventions on Decision Making" (2025). Honors Theses. 488.
https://scarab.bates.edu/honorstheses/488
Number of Pages
82
Community Engagement
1
