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Born at the Right Time: Examining the Effect of Relative Age on Mental Health in Adulthood

Author

Listed:
  • Böckerman, Petri

    (University of Jyväskylä)

  • Haapanen, Mika

    (University of Jyväskylä)

  • Kuhakoski, Jani

    (LABORE Labour Institute for Economic Research)

  • Kuuppelomäki, Tiina

    (Labour Institute for Economic Research)

  • Villanen, Juuso

    (LABORE Labour Institute for Economic Research)

Abstract

This paper examines the understudied effect of relative age on mental health in adulthood. Our empirical analysis utilizes nationwide Finnish register-based data on mental health, encompassing a spectrum of conditions from severe to less severe mental health problems. To identity causal effects, we employ a regression discontinuity design centered around the January 1 cutoff. We find that being born at the start of the year leads to better mental health outcomes. Notably, these effects, primarily influenced by relative school starting age, are driven by women in their late twenties.

Suggested Citation

  • Böckerman, Petri & Haapanen, Mika & Kuhakoski, Jani & Kuuppelomäki, Tiina & Villanen, Juuso, 2024. "Born at the Right Time: Examining the Effect of Relative Age on Mental Health in Adulthood," IZA Discussion Papers 17501, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17501
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Du, Qianqian & Gao, Huasheng & Levi, Maurice D., 2012. "The relative-age effect and career success: Evidence from corporate CEOs," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 117(3), pages 660-662.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    relative age; mental health; education; school starting age; children;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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