Perceived control as the psychological mechanism underlying the Desperation Threshold Model: Implications for temporal discounting and financial avoidance

<p>We argue that perceived control is the psychological mechanism underlying the S-shaped utility function in the Desperation Threshold Model (DTM). We thereby provide a motivational explanation of risk preferences under resource scarcity, extend the model to temporal discounting and financial avoidance, and highlight intervention strategies to prevent harmful behavioral consequences of resource scarcity.</p>