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Persistent Attitudes and Behaviors

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  • Christoph T. Weiss

    (University of Padova)

Abstract

This paper estimates the impact of adolescent attitudes and behaviors - academic motivation as assessed by the child herself and behavioral problems as assessed by the mother or the teacher of the child at age 16 - on adult attitudes and behaviors including illegal drugs consumption, smoking, physical and mental health, criminal activity, political participation, self-confidence and opinions about the labor market at age 41. Adolescent attitudes and behaviors are latent variables estimated using a semiparametric item response theory method. Conditional on educational attainment and personal characteristics, I find that individuals with higher academic motivation and lower behavioral problems at age 16 have lower probabilities of having ÔproblematicÕ attitudes and behaviors at age 41. The results are very similar across gender. I also examine the role of family environment in shaping these adolescent attitudes and behaviors. Academic motivation and behavioral problems have a stronger association with parental interest in the education of their children than with measures of the financial situation of the family.

Suggested Citation

  • Christoph T. Weiss, 2012. "Persistent Attitudes and Behaviors," "Marco Fanno" Working Papers 0143, Dipartimento di Scienze Economiche "Marco Fanno".
    • Handle: RePEc:pad:wpaper:0143
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Attitudes; behaviors; item response theory.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • C38 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Classification Methdos; Cluster Analysis; Principal Components; Factor Analysis

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