Journal of Behavioral Economics and Finance, 13, pp.32-52, 2020. [Japanese] [Full-text link]

Joint with Fumio Ohtake (Osaka University), Rena Shigeoka (Osaka University), Kazuhiro Yoshiuchi (The University of Tokyo), Yukariko Hida (The University of Tokyo), Saiko Kurosawa (Ina Central Hospital), and Takahiro Fukuda (National Cancer Center Hospital)

Abstract

This paper examines whether there are differences in behavioral characteristics between bone marrow bank registrants, stem cell donors, and the general population using a questionnaire survey of bone marrow bank registrants who have received notification of matching with a transplant patient, and a questionnaire survey of the general population at Osaka University. The main results are as follows. First, registered bone marrow bankers and stem cell donors are more altruistic, have lower time discount rates, and have a higher risk tolerance than the general population. Second, the probability of stem cell donation is higher among regular blood donors and those who have indicated their intention to donate their organs. Third, the probability of stem cell donation is higher in an environment where paid donor leave and paid holidays are readily available. Fourth, individuals with high conformity are more likely to register with a bone marrow bank, but are more likely not to donate when asked to do so. Fifth, although the time discount rates and present bias of registrants and donors are lower than in the general population, those with higher time discount rates, including present bias, have a higher probability of donating stem cells.