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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 781-802 |
Number of pages | 22 |
Journal | Health Economics |
Volume | 27 |
Issue number | 5 |
Early online date | 9 Feb 2018 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 May 2018 |
Research Groups and Themes
- ECON Applied Economics
- ECON CEPS Health
Keywords
- ECON Applied Economics
- ECON CEPS Education