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The Effects of Two Influential Early Childhood Interventions on Health and Healthy Behaviors

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  • Conti, Gabriella

    (University College London)

  • Heckman, James J.

    (University of Chicago)

  • Pinto, Rodrigo

    (University of California, Los Angeles)

Abstract

This paper examines the long-term impacts on health and healthy behaviors of two of the oldest and most widely cited U.S. early childhood interventions evaluated by the method of randomization with long-term follow- up: the Perry Preschool Project (PPP) and the Carolina Abecedarian Project (ABC). There are pronounced gender effects strongly favoring boys, although there are also effects for girls. Dynamic mediation analyses show a significant role played by improved childhood traits, above and beyond the effects of experimentally enhanced adult socioeconomic status. These results show the potential of early life interventions for promoting health.

Suggested Citation

  • Conti, Gabriella & Heckman, James J. & Pinto, Rodrigo, 2015. "The Effects of Two Influential Early Childhood Interventions on Health and Healthy Behaviors," IZA Discussion Papers 9247, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp9247
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Abecedarian Project; randomized trial; social experiment; early childhood intervention; health; Perry Preschool Project;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C12 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Hypothesis Testing: General
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I13 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Insurance, Public and Private
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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