ABSTRACT

We study the extent to which exposure to COVID-19 has affected the prosociality of healthcare professionals. Drawing on evidence from an incentivized experiment and a companion survey of healthcare professionals (N = 194) at a large Italian hospital, we find that exposure to COVID-19 predicts their altruistic motivation. Healthcare professionals who either worked in COVID-19 wards or had a close relative or friend severely affected by the virus exhibited a higher propensity to prioritize patient welfare over personal gain. Controlling for demographic characteristics and personality traits, our estimates indicate a 5 percentage point increase in prosociality among exposed individuals. Conversely, personally contracting COVID-19 is related to a 6 percentage point decline in prosociality. Our results highlight that experiences of need shape prosocial preferences in hospital settings.

JEL codes: C91, D64, D81, I12.
Keywords: COVID-19, provider altruism, healthcare professionals, medical decision-making, prosocial behavior, experiment.
ISSN 2704-7407
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