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Re-Constructing Childhood Health Histories

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  • Smith, James P.

    (RAND)

Abstract

This paper provides evidence about the quality of retrospective childhood health histories given to respondents in the HRS and the PSID. Even though information on early life health events is critical, there is legitimate skepticism about the ability of older respondents to remember specific health problems that they had as a child. The evidence presented in this paper suggests that this is too negative a view. Respondents appear to remember salient childhood events about themselves such as the illnesses they had as a child quite well. Moreover, these physical and psychological childhood health events are important correlates of adult health during middle age.

Suggested Citation

  • Smith, James P., 2009. "Re-Constructing Childhood Health Histories," IZA Discussion Papers 4036, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
  • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp4036
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    1. repec:pri:cheawb:case_paxson_economic_status_paper is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Janet Currie & Mark Stabile, 2003. "Socioeconomic Status and Child Health: Why Is the Relationship Stronger for Older Children?," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 93(5), pages 1813-1823, December.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    childhood health; recall;

    JEL classification:

    • H0 - Public Economics - - General
    • J0 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General

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