Maternal depression and child human capital: a genetic instrumental-variable approach

Clark, Andrew Eric, D'Ambrosio, Conchita, Ghislandi, Simone, Lepinteur, Anthony and Menta, Giorgia (2021) Maternal depression and child human capital: a genetic instrumental-variable approach. CEP Discussion Papers (CEPDP1749). London School of Economics and Political Science. Centre for Economic Performance, London, UK.

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Abstract

We here address the causal relationship between maternal depression and child human capital using UK cohort data. We exploit the conditionally-exogenous variation in mothers' genomes in an instrumental-variable approach, and describe the conditions under which mother's genetic variants can be used as valid instruments. An additional episode of maternal depression between the child's birth up to age nine reduces both their cognitive and non-cognitive skills by 20 to 45% of a SD throughout adolescence. Our results are robust to a battery of sensitivity tests addressing, among others, concerns about pleiotropy and the maternal transmission of genes to her child.

Item Type:	Monograph (Discussion Paper)
Official URL:	https://cep.lse.ac.uk/_new/publications/discussion...
Additional Information:	© 2021 The Author(s)
Divisions:	Centre for Economic Performance
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
JEL classification:	J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J2 - Time Allocation, Work Behavior, and Employment Determination and Creation; Human Capital; Retirement > J24 - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity I - Health, Education, and Welfare > I1 - Health > I10 - General
Date Deposited:	21 Mar 2022 15:18
Last Modified:	08 Mar 2024 12:24
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/114414

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