Benevolence-dependability value and intertemporal choice: Moderating effect of perceived socioeconomic status

• Published in: Social behavior and personality Vol. 46; no. 9; pp. 1573 - 1583
• Main Authors: Li, Hongxia, Chen, Guoquan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Palmerston North Scientific Journal Publishers 01.09.2018; Scientific Journal Publishers, Ltd; Scientific Journal Publishers Ltd
• Subjects: Benevolence; Benevolence-Dependability Value; Choice (Psychology); College students; Construal Level Theory; Decision making; Delayed gratification; Economic models; Hypotheses; Intertemporal Choice; Perceived Socioeconomic Class; Personality; Psychological research; Quality management; Reliability; Social class; Social psychology; Socioeconomic factors; Socioeconomic status; Students; Theory; Total quality; Training; Value; China; Beijing China; New York; United States > US
• ISSN: 0301-2212; 1179-6391
• DOI: 10.2224/sbp.6826

We recruited 118 university student participants from Beijing to examine how the benevolence-dependability value affects intertemporal choice and how perceived socioeconomic status moderates this relationship. The results showed that participants' benevolence-dependability value positively predicted their intertemporal choice, and that perceived socioeconomic status moderated this relationship. Further, the benevolence-dependability value of individuals of higher perceived socioeconomic status did not have a significant effect on intertemporal choice. In contrast, the benevolence-dependability value of those of lower perceived socioeconomic status significantly affected their intertemporal choice. These findings suggest that individuals with the benevolence-dependability value make long-term decisions. Theoretical implications for the development of long-term benefits and practical implications for the planning of effective training for business are discussed.