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How serious was it? The impact of preschool closure on mothers’ psychological distress: evidence from the first COVID-19 outbreak

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  • Izumi Yokoyama

    (Hitotsubashi University)

  • Reo Takaku

    (Hitotsubashi University)

Abstract

During the early days of the initial outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Japan, preschools were exempt from nationwide school closures, which came into effect on March 2, 2020. In addition, Japan is unique in that it experienced preschool closures without any heavy restrictions on daily life activities, making it possible to separate the effects of preschool closures from those of other anti-COVID-19 policies such as lockdown measures. This study conducted a placebo test that revealed that the decision to close or keep preschools open was left to each facility and the municipality where they were located and was characterized by relatively high randomness. Based on these advantages, we explored the effects of children’s preschool absence during March 2020 on mothers’ psychological distress. Our results showed that preschool closures caused immediate deterioration in mothers’ psychological states, with moderate psychological distress persisting for at least 5 months.

Suggested Citation

  • Izumi Yokoyama & Reo Takaku, 2024. "How serious was it? The impact of preschool closure on mothers’ psychological distress: evidence from the first COVID-19 outbreak," The Japanese Economic Review, Springer, vol. 75(3), pages 451-471, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jecrev:v:75:y:2024:i:3:d:10.1007_s42973-024-00155-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s42973-024-00155-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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