Human behaviour: Assessing attitudes to risk over the lifetime

Exploring financial personality dimensions

clock • 4 min read

Financial personality dimensions highlight differences in clients' financial personalities providing insight into what characteristics may drive a client's attitude to risk, writes Louis Williams

The theory of planned behaviour developed by Icek Ajzen in 1991 has contributed significantly to understanding the drivers of human behaviour. It highlights the impact of our attitudes on our behavioural intentions and consequential actions, with research showing how our attitudes can translate into behaviours including our plans to purchase shares and decisions to take financial risks. However, our "attitude to risk", cannot be directly observed and measured like our heart rate or reaction time. Therefore, to accurately measure a client's attitude to risk, a valid set of items that h...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Nearly half of advised HNW clients unaware of CGT allowance

Nearly half of advised HNW clients unaware of CGT allowance

Charles Stanley finds

Sahar Nazir
clock 25 November 2025 • 2 min read
CII launches vulnerability guide

CII launches vulnerability guide

For insurance and personal finance

Isabel Baxter
clock 25 November 2025 • 3 min read
Craven Street Wealth expands footprint as Pharon IFA joins business

Craven Street Wealth expands footprint as Pharon IFA joins business

It will now serve more than 5,800 clients

Sahar Nazir
clock 25 November 2025 • 2 min read