We begin with setting forth the following stylized, conceptual framework,
Pr(default) = f(trustworthiness) + η,
and
credit score = g(Pr(default)) + µ
In sum, the equations contend that an individual's "underlying trustworthiness" -- however subjective that term may be -- is positively correlated with his or her credit score.
The researchers note that credit reporting agencies and lenders used to collect color on a person's reliability and moral character, and these survey-based assessments of trustworthiness and credit scores also tend to have a large amount of overlap.
As such, the economists find support for the notion that "credit scores matter for committed relationships because they reveal information about general trustworthiness."
So the next time your significant other asks, "What's your number?", you might want to make sure you're on the same wavelength before answering.