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Gene x Environment Interactions: Polygenic Scores and the Impact of an Early Childhood Intervention in Colombia

Author

Listed:
  • Orazio Attanasio

    (University College London)

  • Gabriella Conti

    (University College London)

  • Pamela Jervis

    (University of Chile)

  • Costas Meghir

    (Yale University)

  • Aysu Okbay

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

Abstract

We evaluate impacts heterogeneity of an Early Childhood Intervention, with respect to the Educational Attainment Polygenic Score (EA4 PGS) constructed from DNA data based on GWAS weights from a European population. We find that the EA4 PGS is predictive of several measures of child development, mother’s IQ and, to some extent, educational attainment. We also show that the impacts of the intervention are significantly greater in children with low PGS, to the point that the intervention eliminates the initial genetic disadvantage. Lastly, we find that children with high PGS attract more parental stimulation; however, the latter increases more strongly in children with low PGS.

Suggested Citation

  • Orazio Attanasio & Gabriella Conti & Pamela Jervis & Costas Meghir & Aysu Okbay, 2025. "Gene x Environment Interactions: Polygenic Scores and the Impact of an Early Childhood Intervention in Colombia," Working Papers 2025-003, Human Capital and Economic Opportunity Working Group.
    • Handle: RePEc:hka:wpaper:2025-003
    Note: ECI, FI, HI
    as

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    File URL: http://humcap.uchicago.edu/RePEc/hka/wpaper/Attanasio_Conti_Jervis_2025_genexenv_polygenic-scores-ECI-colombia.pdf
    File Function: First version, May 5, 2025
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    gene-environment interactions; early childhood development; stimulation programs;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality

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