Spousal Effects in Smoking Cessation: Matching, Learning, or Bargaining?

Previous research studying the correlation in smoking behavior between spouses has discounted the role of bargaining or learning. Using the Health and Retirement Study, which contains information on smoking cessation and spouse’s preferences, this paper presents an essential investigation of the impact of spousal bargaining or learning on the decision to cease smoking. We find that, regardless of gender, when one member of a couple ceases smoking this induces the other member to cease smoking through bargaining. Further, we find that women demonstrate either altruistic behavior toward a spouse who has suffered a health shock, or learning from their spouse’s health shock.