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The Role of Emotions in the Process of Making Choices about Welfare Services: The Experiences of Disabled People in England

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 March 2013

Kate Baxter  and
Caroline Glendinning
Kate Baxter
Affiliation:
Social Policy Research Unit, University of York E-mail: kate.baxter@york.ac.uk
Caroline Glendinning
Affiliation:
Social Policy Research Unit, University of York E-mail: caroline.glendinning@york.ac.uk
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Abstract

Choice is central to developments in many areas of welfare. Making choices, for example about health, social care, employment and housing, can be very emotional. This article draws on theories from experimental psychology and behavioural economics to analyse empirical evidence from a longitudinal, qualitative study of support-related choices. It argues that if people are expected to make emotion-laden choices, and to minimise negative aspects associated with the process of making a choice, they need to be supported in doing so. It contributes to the limited evidence and debate to date about the process costs to individuals of choice.

Keywords

Choicedecision-makingdisabled peopleemotions
Type
Themed Section on Welfare State Reform, Recognition and Emotional Labour
Information
Social Policy and Society , Volume 12 , Issue 3 , July 2013 , pp. 439 - 450
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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