title: Time discounting and criminal behavior.
abstract: One of the most basic predictions of almost any model of crime is that individual time preferences matter. However, empirical evidence on this fundamental property is essentially nonexistent. To our knowledge, this paper provides the first pieces of evidence on the link between time discounting and crime. We use a unique dataset that combines a survey-based measure of time discount rates (at age 13) with detailed longitudinal register data on criminal behavior spanning over 18 y. Our results show that individuals with short time horizons have a significantly higher risk of criminal involvement later in life. The magnitude of the relationship is substantial and corresponds to roughly one-third of the association between intelligence and crime.
authors.affiliation: Swedish Institute for Social Research, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden;
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Åkerlund
authors.affiliation: Department of Economics, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands;
authors.forename: Bart H H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Golsteyn
authors.affiliation: Department of Economics, Uppsala University, SE-751 20 Uppsala, Sweden.
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Grönqvist
authors.affiliation: Swedish Institute for Social Research, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden; lena.lindahl@sofi.su.se.
authors.forename: Lena
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lindahl
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002755:Choice Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D003415:Crime / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000066479:Criminal Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D065786:Delay Discounting; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007360:Intelligence; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: crime; intertemporal choice; time discounting