Work

Born at the right time: Examining the effect of age at school entry on mental health in adulthood

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This paper examines the largely understudied effect of age at school entry on adult mental health. Using nationwide Finnish register data, we capture a broad spectrum of mental health conditions, ranging from severe disorders to less severe problems. To identify causal effects, we implement a regression discontinuity design around the January 1 school-entry cutoff. We find that being born at the beginning of the year improves mental health outcomes, with the effects concentrated among women in their late twenties.

Source: Economics of Education Review

DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2026.102852

Authors: Petri Böckerman, Mika Haapanen, Jani Kuhakoski, Tiina Kuuppelomäki, Juuso Villanen

Institutions: Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research, Labour Institute for Economic Research, University of Jyväskylä

Language: English

Topic: Early Childhood Education and Development

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,700