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The Influences Of Locus Of Control, Debt Overhang, And Framing On Saving For Retirement, Patrick Ilcin

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

This study evaluates locus of control, debt overhang, and framing effects as potential drivers of retirement savings decisions. We use a hypothetical scenario administered through an online survey to analyze how much an individual will save for retirement. The study finds that individuals who measure as having an external locus of control (based off the Rotter I-E scale), contribute significantly less to their retirement savings than individuals with an internal locus of control. Interestingly, this study finds no significant relationship between debt overhang and initial contributions. To measure framing effects, participants were given the choice to change their initial contribution …