The gift of time? School starting age and mental health

B-Tier
Journal: Health Economics
Year: 2018
Volume: 27
Issue: 5
Pages: 781-802

Authors (2)

Score contribution per author:

1.005 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Using linked Danish survey and register data, we estimate the causal effect of age at kindergarten entry on mental health. Danish children are supposed to enter kindergarten in the calendar year in which they turn 6 years. In a "fuzzy" regression‐discontinuity design based on this rule and exact dates of birth, we find that a 1‐year delay in kindergarten entry dramatically reduces inattention/hyperactivity at age 7 (effect size = –0.73), a measure of self‐regulation with strong negative links to student achievement. The effect is primarily identified for girls but persists at age 11.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:wly:hlthec:v:27:y:2018:i:5:p:781-802
Journal Field
Health
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25