International Journal of Behavioural Accounting and Finance (4 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Tracing the evolution of investment behavior research: a Scopus-based bibliometric analysis  
  by Syamala Anumolu, Ramesh Kumar Miryala, Vani Gayathri Rudra, Swetha Suram 
  Abstract: The study aims to analyse the trends and publication output on investment behaviour. Data were retrieved from the Scopus database using the keyword 'Investment Behaviour' in title, abstracts and keywords. Limited to the study's scope, 2125 documents were found. Bibliometric analysis was conducted to trace research trends. The 'Journal of Banking and Finance' emerged as the most significant source. Among authors, Wang Y was found to be the most productive author, while Zhongnan University of Economics and Law and China were found to be the leading institution and country, respectively. The findings also highlight the rapid growth of research since 2010, with the gaining significance of behavioural and psychological aspects of investment. The study also depicts thematic clusters and bibliographic coupling patterns. Overall, the findings provide a comprehensive overview of investment behaviour research and offer guidance for future studies.
  Keywords: bibliometric analysis; investment behaviour; financial decision making; research trends; citations.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBAF.2026.10076160
   
  
• The effects of economic status and gender on rational decision-making among Indian households  
  by Vipul Singh, Bipin Kumar 
  Abstract: This paper looks at rational decision-making among income and gender segments in the Pauri district of Uttarakhand in India in the context of behavioural economics. It challenges the classical idea of perfectly rational agents. It examines whether the economic state (above poverty line (APL) vs. below poverty line (BPL)) and gender affect the uniformity of personal choices. A 400-responder (200 APL, 200 BPL) structured questionnaire, using scenario-based and Likert-scale items, was administered to respondents. Through the Mann-Whitney U test, the study concludes that BPL persons are more rational in a resource-sensitive environment, as they are financially vigilant in the face of economic constraints. Women are also perceived as being more risk-averse and cautious, as well as more rational in several areas of decision-making. On the other hand, the respondents of APL and men tend to be more heuristic or sentimental. The findings suggest a contextual and socially grounded rationality, implying the need for behaviourally informed and demographically focused policy interventions.
  Keywords: rational decision-making; gender differences; APL vs. BPL; behavioural economics; socioeconomic status.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBAF.2026.10079035
   
  
• Impact of emotional intelligence in investment decision making: evidence from Generation Z investors in West Bengal  
  by Ayan Banerjee, Sreemoyee Guha Roy 
  Abstract: Using the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT), an ability-based measure, this study attempts to analyse the predictive role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in rational investment outcomes, including risk tolerance, diversification, and goal orientations. The study investigates how EI regulates investment decision-making under uncertainty among Generation Z investors in West Bengal. A total of 293 stratified sample of Gen Z investors completed an Investment Behaviour Questionnaire (IBQ) and a 10-item financial literacy assessment. Statistical analyses, correlations, hierarchical regressions, confirmatory factor analyses (CFA), and structural equation modelling (SEM) revealed that 'Managing Emotions' is the strongest predictor of rational outcomes. It is positively associated with diversification and negatively associated with FOMO-driven trades, controlling for financial literacy and risk tolerance. Self-regulation mediates the EI investment link with strong fit indices (CFI = 0.982, RMSEA = 0.033). The subgroup analysis depicts stronger protective effects for urban and female participants.
  Keywords: emotional intelligence; investment behaviour; Generation Z; MSCEIT; Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test; behavioural finance; FOMO; fear of missing out; financial literacy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBAF.2026.10081924
   
  
• Empirical evidence of mental accounting bias among Indian high-net-worth equity investors  
  by Manas Kumar Pal, Stutee Mohanty, Anamika 
  Abstract: The study aims to investigate the impact of mental accounting bias on equity investment decisions made by high-net worth-individuals (HNIs) in India. It examines various forms of mental accounting bias and evaluates the hypothesis using non-parametric tests. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with experienced HNI equity investors and experts to understand the underlying variables of mental accounting bias. A literature review and analysis of the existing theoretical framework was also conducted to establish the relationships among the variables. The study found that HNI equity investors are susceptible to three mental accounting biases: sunk cost fallacy, endowment bias, and digital vs. cash transactions. Investors are cautious about certain biases based on their source of income. It was also revealed that income from windfall gains changes an investor's spending behaviour and affects the final equity investment decisions.
  Keywords: investors; HNI; high-net worth-individual; behavioural finance; mental accounting; sunk cost fallacy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBAF.2026.10081661