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Education and Health: The Role of Cognitive Ability

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  • Bijwaard, Govert

    (NIDI - Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute)

  • van Kippersluis, Hans

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

  • Veenman, Justus

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

Abstract

We aim to disentangle the relative contributions of (i) cognitive ability, and (ii) education on health and mortality using a structural equation model suggested by Conti et al. (2010). We extend their model by allowing for a duration dependent variable, and an ordinal educational variable. Data come from a Dutch cohort born between 1937 and 1941, including detailed measures of cognitive ability and family background at age 12. The data are subsequently linked to the mortality register 1995-2011, such that we observe mortality between ages 55 and 75. The results suggest that at least half of the unconditional survival differences between educational groups are due to a 'selection effect', primarily on basis of cognitive ability. Conditional survival differences across those having finished just primary school and those entering secondary education are still substantial, and amount to a 4 years gain in life expectancy, on average.

Suggested Citation

  • Bijwaard, Govert & van Kippersluis, Hans & Veenman, Justus, 2013. "Education and Health: The Role of Cognitive Ability," IZA Discussion Papers 7648, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp7648
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    cognitive ability; mortality; structural equation model; education; duration model;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C41 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Duration Analysis; Optimal Timing Strategies
    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality

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