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Parental economic insecurity and child health

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  • Kong, Nancy
  • Phipps, Shelley
  • Watson, Barry

Abstract

We explore the effects of parental economic insecurity on their children’s hyperactivity and anxiety. Our central argument is that even after controlling for current family income and employment status, parents may have legitimate feelings of economic insecurity, and these may be detrimental for their children. Data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth indicate that the health of 2- to 5-year-old children is worse when parents report themselves to be “worried about having enough money to support the family.” In particular, boys are more hyperactive and girls are more anxious when parents feel less economically secure. Changes in parenting styles appear to be channels through which parental economic insecurity affects their children.

Suggested Citation

  • Kong, Nancy & Phipps, Shelley & Watson, Barry, 2021. "Parental economic insecurity and child health," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 43(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ehbiol:v:43:y:2021:i:c:s1570677x21000939
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2021.101068
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Canada; Anxiety; Child; Economic insecurity; Hyperactivity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D69 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Other
    • I15 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Economic Development
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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