Understanding the Mechanisms Through Which an Influential Early Childhood Program Boosted Adult Outcomes

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Heckman, James; Pinto, Rodrigo; Savelyev, Peter
• 署名单位: University of Chicago; University College Dublin; Vanderbilt University; Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF); Meharry Medical College
• 刊物名称: AMERICAN ECONOMIC REVIEW
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0002-8282
• DOI: 10.1257/aer.103.6.2052
• 发表日期: 2013
• 页码: 2052-2086
• 关键词: BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS; perry preschool; academic-achievement; early intervention; CONDUCT DISORDER; Substance use; follow-up; STABILITY; number; adolescence

摘要

A growing literature establishes that high quality early childhood interventions targeted toward disadvantaged children have substantial impacts on later life outcomes. Little is known about the mechanisms producing these impacts. This paper uses longitudinal data on cognitive and personality skills from an experimental evaluation of the influential Perry Preschool program to analyze the channels through which the program boosted both male and female participant outcomes. Experimentally induced changes in personality skills explain a sizable portion of adult treatment effects.