The Economics of Losing a Loved One

Abstract

The tendency for individuals to discount the subjective value of future rewards is a well-established phenomenon. Individual differences in the rate at which one devalues the future have been associated with a range of economic and health outcomes. In this study we investigate future reward discounting in prolonged grief (PG), a potential outcome of bereavement that is associated with significant impairment. A total of 75 bereaved individuals, recruited online, made a series of choices between a small amount of money available immediately and a larger amount available after a specified delay. Greater PG symptomatology was associated with greater discounting of both a small and a relatively larger delayed reward. Results are consistent with findings suggesting that individuals with PG have difficulties orienting to the future and help shed light on economic decision making processes that may contribute to ongoing dysfunction in PG.