Four essays on behavioral and experimental economics

This thesis examines how cognitive, psychological, and contextual factors shape financial and environmental decision-making, challenging traditional models of rational economic behavior. By integrating laboratory experiments, large-scale surveys, and facial emotion recognition, it provides a multidimensional perspective on decision-making processes. Specifically, it explores: (1) how cognitive processing influences decision speed under ambiguity, shedding light on the role of fluency and complexity in shaping response times; (2) the interaction between financial literacy, economic crises (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic), and intertemporal preferences, revealing how uncertainty affects long-term financial planning; (3) the impact of emotions and cognitive appraisals on climate-related risk perceptions, quantifying how affective responses drive environmental choices; and (4) the combined effects of financial literacy, digital skills, and climate awareness on sustainable investment behavior, identifying key enablers and barriers. By bridging insights from economics, psychology, and behavioral science, this thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of how individuals navigate financial and environmental uncertainty. Its findings have implications for policy design, financial education, and sustainability initiatives, offering practical strategies to promote informed and responsible decision-making across disciplines.