Data on thousands of Germans shows that monthly income for the least-cynical people rose an estimated 240 euros ($266), on average, over the course of nine years, whereas the most-cynical people experienced no significant income increase, say Olga Stavrova and Daniel Ehlebracht of the University of Cologne. The findings support the view that cynical individuals are more likely than their more-trusting counterparts to avoid cooperation out of a fear of exploitation.

(Source: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology)

Published in Dawn, Economic & Business July 27th, 2015

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