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Self-esteem and educational attainment

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  • Daniele CHECCHI
  • Gabriella PRAVETTONI

Abstract

In this paper we consider the role of behavioural traits (self-confidence, decomposed into selfefficacy and self-liking) as potential determinants of academic career. While we find confirmation of previous results in the literature with respect to previous schooling and parental education, we do not find indication of robust effects from these traits. Both measures correlate positively with academic performance, but when potential endogeneity is accounted for through the use of instrumental variable estimation techniques, they lose statistical significance. In addition, if we consider a more general model where both behavioural traits and academic performance are jointly determined, we find that self-liking is endogenous to the joint process, whereas academic performance and self-efficacy reinforce each other.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniele CHECCHI & Gabriella PRAVETTONI, 2003. "Self-esteem and educational attainment," Departmental Working Papers 2003-30, Department of Economics, Management and Quantitative Methods at Università degli Studi di Milano.
    • Handle: RePEc:mil:wpdepa:2003-30
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    File URL: http://wp.demm.unimi.it/files/wp/2003/DEMM-2003_030wp.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Francis Green & Stephen Machin & David Wilkinson, 1998. "The Meaning and Determinants of Skills Shortages," Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics, Department of Economics, University of Oxford, vol. 60(2), pages 165-187, May.
    2. Roland Bénabou & Jean Tirole, 2005. "Self-Confidence and Personal Motivation," International Economic Association Series, in: Bina Agarwal & Alessandro Vercelli (ed.), Psychology, Rationality and Economic Behaviour, chapter 2, pages 19-57, Palgrave Macmillan.
    3. Daniele Checchi & Giuseppe Bertola, 2001. "Sorting and private education in Italy," Departmental Working Papers 2001-21, Department of Economics, Management and Quantitative Methods at Università degli Studi di Milano.
    4. Murnane, Richard J. & Willett, John B. & Braatz, M. Jay & Duhaldeborde, Yves, 2001. "Do different dimensions of male high school students' skills predict labor market success a decade later? Evidence from the NLSY," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 20(4), pages 311-320, August.
    5. Card, David, 1999. "The causal effect of education on earnings," Handbook of Labor Economics, in: O. Ashenfelter & D. Card (ed.), Handbook of Labor Economics, edition 1, volume 3, chapter 30, pages 1801-1863, Elsevier.
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    self-esteem; educational attainment;

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