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Reading, Writing, And Sex: The Effect Of Losing Virginity On Academic Performance

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  • JOSEPH J. SABIA

Abstract

Controlling for a wide set of individual‐ and family‐level observables available in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, ordinary least squares (OLS) estimates show that sexually active adolescents have grade point averages that are approximately 0.2 points lower than virgins. However, when information on the timing of intercourse decisions is exploited and individual fixed effects are included, the negative effect of sexual intercourse disappears for females, but persists for males. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that while there may be adverse academic spillovers from engaging in intercourse for some adolescents, previous studies’ estimates are overstated due to unmeasured heterogeneity. (JEL I10, I21, I18)

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  • Joseph J. Sabia, 2007. "Reading, Writing, And Sex: The Effect Of Losing Virginity On Academic Performance," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 45(4), pages 647-670, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecinqu:v:45:y:2007:i:4:p:647-670
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1465-7295.2007.00056.x
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    2. Ronald B. Davies & Rodolphe Desbordes, 2015. "Greenfield FDI and skill upgrading: A polarized issue," Canadian Journal of Economics, Canadian Economics Association, vol. 48(1), pages 207-244, February.
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    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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