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Back to school blues: Seasonality of youth suicide and the academic calendar

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  • Hansen, Benjamin
  • Lang, Matthew

Abstract

Previous research has found evidence of academic benefits to longer school years. This paper investigates one of the many potential costs of increased school year length, documenting a dramatic decrease in youth suicide in months when school is not in session. A detailed analysis does not find that other potential explanations such as economic conditions, weather or seasonal affective disorder patterns can explain the decrease. This evidence suggests that youth may face increased stress and decreased mental health when school is in session.

Suggested Citation

  • Hansen, Benjamin & Lang, Matthew, 2011. "Back to school blues: Seasonality of youth suicide and the academic calendar," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 30(5), pages 850-861, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoedu:v:30:y:2011:i:5:p:850-861
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Malte Sandner & Alexander Patzina & Silke Anger & Sarah Bernhard & Hans Dietrich, 2023. "The COVID-19 pandemic, well-being, and transitions to post-secondary education," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 21(2), pages 461-483, June.
    2. Chandler, Vincent & Heger, Dörte & Wuckel, Christiane, 2019. "The perils of returning to school: New insights into the seasonality of youth suicides," Ruhr Economic Papers 820, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen.
    3. Chiara Davico & Federica Graziano & Alessandra Rossi Ghiglione & Federico Amianto & Tatiana Begotti & Emanuela Calandri & Giorgia Copetto & Francesca Di Franco & Elena Lonardelli & Daniele Marcotulli , 2024. "Preventing Adolescent Suicide: Feasibility and Preliminary Outcome Evaluation of a Theatre-Based Gatekeeper Training for Teachers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(12), pages 1-15, December.
    4. Marcus, Jan & Reif, Simon & Wuppermann, Amelie & Rouche, Amélie, 2020. "Increased instruction time and stress-related health problems among school children," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 70(C).
    5. Daniel I. Rees & Joseph J. Sabia & Gokhan Kumpas, 2020. "Anti-Bullying Laws and Suicidal Behaviors among Teenagers," NBER Working Papers 26777, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    6. Cuffe, H.E. & Harbaugh, W.T. & Lindo, J.M. & Musto, G. & Waddell, G.R., 2012. "Evidence on the efficacy of school-based incentives for healthy living," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(6), pages 1028-1036.
    7. Daniel I. Rees & Joseph J. Sabia & Gokhan Kumpas, 2022. "Anti‐Bullying Laws and Suicidal Behaviors Among Teenagers," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 41(3), pages 787-823, June.
    8. Chandler, Vincent & Heger, Dörte & Wuckel, Christiane, 2022. "The perils of returning to school—New insights into the impact of school holidays on youth suicides," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 86(C).
    9. repec:iab:iabdpa:202118 is not listed on IDEAS
    10. Markussen, Simen & Røed, Knut, 2015. "Daylight and absenteeism – Evidence from Norway," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 16(C), pages 73-80.
    11. Gregory Gilpin, 2020. "Policy‐Induced School Calendar Changes and Teacher Moonlighting," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 86(3), pages 989-1018, January.
    12. Dimitrios Nikolaou, 2022. "Identifying the effects of bullying victimization on schooling," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 40(1), pages 162-189, January.
    13. Tanaka, Shinsuke & Matsubayashi, Tetsuya, 2025. "The light of life: The effects of sunlight on suicide," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).
    14. Gregory Gilpin, 2018. "Policy-induced School Calendar Changes and Teacher Moonlighting," CAEPR Working Papers 2018-009, Center for Applied Economics and Policy Research, Department of Economics, Indiana University Bloomington.
    15. Lefgren, Lars J. & Stoddard, Olga B. & Stovall, John E., 2021. "Rationalizing self-defeating behaviors: Theory and evidence," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).
    16. Cowan, Benjamin & Jones, Todd R. & Swigert, Jeffrey, 2024. "Parental and Student Time Use Around the Academic Year," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 224(C), pages 66-110.
    17. Benjamin Hansen & Joseph J. Sabia & Jessamyn Schaller, 2024. "In-Person Schooling and Youth Suicide: Evidence from School Calendars and Pandemic School Closures," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 59(S), pages 227-255.
    18. Dave E. Marcotte & Benjamin Hansen, 2024. "The re‐emerging suicide crisis in the U.S.: Patterns, causes and solutions," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 43(2), pages 582-612, March.
    19. Benjamin Hansen & Joseph J. Sabia & Jessamyn Schaller, 2022. "In-Person Schooling and Youth Suicide: Evidence from School Calendars and Pandemic School Closures," NBER Working Papers 30795, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.

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