Social and Psychological Predictors of Investment Activity of Russians

Abstract

The level of investment activity among Russians is rather low; that is why the understanding it predictors is of great importance. First, I presented an overview of Russian and international studies of psychological aspects of investment behaviour. Further, I discussed the results of the empirical research using the following sample: 360 respondents from 18 to 68 years old (average age 26 years). In my research, I used methods: socio-demographic characteristics, investment activity, including cognitive and behavioural readiness to invest in different financial instruments, and calculated index of investment activity. As concerns implementation of specific psychodiagnostic methods, I used the Questionnaire of tolerance and intolerance to ambiguity, Personal factors of decision-making, Semantic differential, and Big Five short portrait questionnaire (BF 5–10). The predictors of Russians’ investment activity, including their willingness to invest in cryptocurrencies, show a positive perception of bitcoin, high emotional stability, low intolerance to uncertainty, low rationality, and low kindness to other people.