Abstract:
In two experiments, we investigated the downstream consequences of activating deliberative versus implemental mindsets on risk
perception (Experiment 1) and risk-taking behavior (Experiment 2). We hypothesized that participants in an implemental versus deliberative
mindset arrive at more optimistic judgments about their own risks of experiencing negative life events, compared to other peoples’ risks. The
results of Experiment 1 confirm this hypothesis and reveal perceived controllability as an important moderator. Experiment 2 further augments
these findings by demonstrating that participants in a deliberative mindset show less risk-taking behavior than participants in an implemental
mindset using a behavioral risk task. Implications for research on mindset theory of action phases and mindset-dependent effects on risk
perception and risk-taking behavior are discussed.
Keywords:
mindsets, risk perception, risk-taking behavior, BART, illusory optimism