Jane Ebert

The Fragility of Time: Time-Insensitivity and Valuation of the Near and Far Future

We propose that the temporal dimension is fragile in that choices are insufficiently sensitive to it, and second, such sensitivity as exists is exceptionally malleable, unlike other dimensions such as money, which are attended by default. To test this, we axiomatize a “constant-sensitivity” discount function, and in four studies, we show that the degree of time-sensitivity is inadequate relative to the compound discounting norm, and strongly susceptible to manipulation. Time-sensitivity is increased by a comparative within-subject presentation (Experiment 1), direct instruction (Experiment 3), and provision of a visual cue for time duration (Experiment 4); time-sensitivity is decreased using a time pressure manipulation (Experiment 2). In each study, the sensitivity manipulation has an opposite effect on near-future and far-future valuations: Increased sensitivity decreases discounting in the near future and increases discounting in the far future. In contrast, such sensitivity manipulations have little effect on the money dimension.

From Nutrients to Nurturance: A Conceptual Introduction to Food Well-Being

The authors propose a restructuring of the “food as health” paradigm to “food as well-being.” This requires shifting from an emphasis on restraint and restrictions to a more positive, holistic understanding of the role of food in overall well-being. The authors propose the concept of food well-being (FWB), defined as a positive psychological, physical, emotional, and social relationship with food at both individual and societal levels. The authors define and explain the five primary domains of FWB: food socialization, food literacy, food marketing, food availability, and food policy. The FWB framework employs a richer definition of food and highlights the need for research that bridges other disciplines and paradigms outside and within marketing. Further research should develop and refine the understanding of each domain with the ultimate goal of moving the field toward this embodiment of food as well-being.

The role of cognitive resources in the valuation of near and far future events

Peoples behaviors often appear short-sighted, suggesting they overvalue the near future and undervalue the far future. In three experiments, the present research focussed on the role of cognitive resources in the valuation of near and distant future events. Experiment 1 tested a new discounting paradigm for use in the subsequent experiments. Experiments 2 and 3 used different manipulations (time pressure and a concurrent tone task) to restrict the cognitive resources of participants valuing a series of future events. In both experiments, this manipulation caused an increase in the valuation of far future events but not in the valuations of near future events. Implications of these findings for the role of cognitive resources in time discounting processes are briefly discussed.

Campaigns in context: promotion, seasonal variation, and resource factors predict mammography program participation

We consider the impact of health promotion efforts on the timing of health behavior in a real-world setting alongside effects of temporally predictable and other environmental factors. By better understanding the systemic context of promotions, we sought to explain, and suggest timing strategies to enhance, campaign effectiveness in ways often overlooked by health promotion staff. We assessed call volume in response to promotions from May 2004 to December 2008 by a state program in the United States that provides free mammograms to underinsured women. Weekly data were analyzed using OLS regression, using predictor variables representing program promotions, breast cancer awareness, season, and other factors. Call volume was greater following television or direct mail promotions, during periods with higher unemployment rates, during school-term time, and in favorable climate conditions. These results highlight predictable temporal variations in the response to these promotions, suggesting important implications for the timing of health promotion efforts.