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The impact of economic adversity on adolescent self-esteem: Evidence from Ethiopia

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  • Di Falco, Salvatore
  • Doku, Angela

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between self-esteem and random negative economic shocks experienced during the formative stages of the life cycle. Combining individual data from parents and children within the same household, with rainfall variation during the growing season in Ethiopia, we find that negative shocks experienced during adolescence have a relevant negative and persistent effect on self-esteem. Moreover, we find some tentative evidence that these shocks may have an effect that spans generations.

Suggested Citation

  • Di Falco, Salvatore & Doku, Angela, 2025. "The impact of economic adversity on adolescent self-esteem: Evidence from Ethiopia," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 239(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:239:y:2025:i:c:s016726812500318x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2025.107199
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    JEL classification:

    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming
    • Q12 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Micro Analysis of Farm Firms, Farm Households, and Farm Input Markets
    • D9 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics

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