MPC Member Publications

This database contains a listing of population studies publications written by MPC Members. Anyone can add a publication by an MPC student, faculty, or staff member to this database; new citations will be reviewed and approved by MPC administrators.

Full Citation

Title: Appointments: A More Effective Commitment Device for Health Behaviors

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2021

Abstract: Health behaviors are plagued by self-control problems, and commitment devices are frequently proposed as a solution. We show that a simple alternative works even better: appointments. We randomly offer HIV testing appointments and financial commitment devices to high-risk men in Malawi. Appointments are much more effective than financial commitment devices, more than doubling testing rates. In contrast, most men who take up financial commitment devices lose their investments. Appointments address procrastination without the potential drawback of commitment failure, and also address limited memory problems. Appointments have the potential to increase demand for healthcare in the developing world.). We thank Susan Watkins for her extensive guidance and mentorship on this project. We are grateful for insightful comments from

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Authors: Derksen, Laura; Kerwin, Jason T; Reynoso, Natalia Ordaz; Sterck, Olivier; Angelucci, Manuela; Bai, Liang; Bevis, Leah; Brune, Lasse; Bryan, Gharad; Chyn, Eric; De Quidt, Jon; Dellavigna, Stefano; Dovel, Kate; Gallant, Jessica; Gong, Erick; John, Anett; Mcconnell, Maggie; Meager, Rachael; Romero, Mauricio; Schaner, Simone

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