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Childhood sexual abuse and later-life economic consequences

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  • Barrett, Alan
  • Kamiya, Yumiko
  • Sullivan, Vincent O’

Abstract

The impact of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) on later-life health outcomes has been studied extensively and links with depression, anxiety and self-harm have been established. However, there has been relatively little research undertaken on the possible impact of CSA on later-life economic outcomes. Here, we explore whether older people who report having experienced CSA have weaker labour force attachment and lower incomes compared to other people. We use data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) which is a nationally-representative survey of people aged 50 and over. We find that male victims of CSA are almost three times more likely to be out of the labour force due to sickness and disability. They also have significantly lower incomes and are more likely to live alone. These effects remain even when we control for childhood economic circumstances, other adverse childhood events, current mental health difficulties and negative health behaviours. We do not find any effects for female victims. Among the policy implications are the need to be more aware of the complex effects of CSA when designing labour market activation strategies such as training for the unemployed. The results are also relevant in the legal context where compensation awards are determined.

Suggested Citation

  • Barrett, Alan & Kamiya, Yumiko & Sullivan, Vincent O’, 2014. "Childhood sexual abuse and later-life economic consequences," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 10-16.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceco:v:53:y:2014:i:c:p:10-16
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socec.2014.07.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John Robst & Stacy Smith, 2008. "The Effect of Childhood Sexual Victimization on Women's Income," Eastern Economic Journal, Palgrave Macmillan;Eastern Economic Association, vol. 34(1), pages 27-40, Winter.
    2. Molnar, B.E. & Buka, S.L. & Kessler, R.C., 2001. "Child sexual abuse and subsequent psychopathology: Results from the national comorbidity survey," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 91(5), pages 753-760.
    3. Smith, James Patrick & Smith, Gillian C., 2010. "Long-term economic costs of psychological problems during childhood," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 71(1), pages 110-115, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mark E. McGovern, 2016. "Progress and the Lack of Progress in Addressing Infant Health and Infant Health Inequalities in Ireland during the 20th Century," Economics Working Papers 16-05, Queen's Management School, Queen's University Belfast.
    2. Herbert, Laura & Comeau, Jinette & Smith, Carrie & Smith-Carrier, Tracy & Saxby, Christopher & Botelho, Natashia, 2023. "Child maltreatment and adult economic outcomes: A systematic review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Childhood sexual abuse; Labour force status; Mental health;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • J12 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Marriage; Marital Dissolution; Family Structure

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