Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP14302
Authors: Paola Giuliano; Paola Sapienza
Abstract: We study the cost of being too patient on happiness. We find that the relationship between patience and various measures of subjective well-being is hump-shaped: it exists an optimal amount of patience that maximizes happiness. Beyond this optimal level, higher levels of patience have a negative impact on well-being.
Keywords: patience; happiness
JEL Codes: A10; D9; Z1
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| patience (Y60) | happiness (I31) |
| optimal level of patience (C61) | happiness (I31) |
| beyond optimal patience (C61) | wellbeing (I31) |
| moving from optimal patience to 99th percentile (C61) | happiness (I31) |
| moving from patience level of 140 to 276 (C69) | positive experience index (C43) |