Work

Family stress and the intergenerational correlation in self-control

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We first examine the correlation in self-control between parents and their young-adult children, drawing on two decades of population-representative panel data. We then exploit variation in the family environment during childhood to investigate how family stress related to: i) parenting responsibilities; ii) parents’ relationship quality; iii) household finances; and iv) poor mental health shape the self-control of young adults. A finite mixture model is used to account for unobserved heterogeneity in young adults’ capacity for self-control. Our results indicate that some young people may be particularly sensitive to growing up in a stressful environment, opening the door for family stress to affect the formation of self-control.

Source: European Economic Review

DOI: 10.1016/j.euroecorev.2025.105209

Authors: Deborah A. Cobb-Clark, Haniene Tayeb

Institutions: The University of Sydney, IZA - Institute of Labor Economics, ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course, UNSW Sydney, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre

Language: English

Topic: Decision-Making and Behavioral Economics

Subfield: General Decision Sciences

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,690