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The right timing matters: Sensitive periods in the formation of socio-emotional skills

Author

Listed:
  • Breitkopf, Laura
  • Chowdhury, Shyamal K.
  • Kamhöfer, Daniel A.
  • Schildberg-Hörisch, Hannah
  • Sutter, Matthias

Abstract

Identifying sensitive periods in which the returns to investments into skills are especially high is challenging, but crucial for an effective and efficient timing of parental or public investments aimed at fostering children's skills. We can detect sensitive periods with a novel design by implementing the same investment in different school grades and examining grade-specific treatment effects. Based on a randomized controlled trial with more than 3,200 Bangladeshi children in grades 2 to 5, we find sensitive periods in the formation of self-control and patience in grade 2 (age 7-8), while prosociality remains similarly malleable throughout grades 2 to 5 (age 7-11).

Suggested Citation

  • Breitkopf, Laura & Chowdhury, Shyamal K. & Kamhöfer, Daniel A. & Schildberg-Hörisch, Hannah & Sutter, Matthias, 2025. "The right timing matters: Sensitive periods in the formation of socio-emotional skills," DICE Discussion Papers 422, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf Institute for Competition Economics (DICE).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:dicedp:319881
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. Anderson, Michael L., 2008. "Multiple Inference and Gender Differences in the Effects of Early Intervention: A Reevaluation of the Abecedarian, Perry Preschool, and Early Training Projects," Journal of the American Statistical Association, American Statistical Association, vol. 103(484), pages 1481-1495.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chowdhury, Shyamal & Puente-Beccar, Manuela & Schildberg-Hörisch, Hannah & Schneider, Sebastian O. & Sutter, Matthias, 2025. "Spatial Patterns in the Formation of Economic Preferences," IZA Discussion Papers 18015, IZA Network @ LISER.
    2. Cobb-Clark, Deborah A. & Dahmann, Sarah C. & Kamhöfer, Daniel A. & Schildberg-Hörisch, Hannah, 2025. "Schooling and Self-Control," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 237(C).

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    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth

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