Working Paper: NBER ID: w18664
Authors: Gabriella Conti; James J. Heckman
Abstract: Pediatricians should consider the costs and benefits of preventing rather than treating childhood diseases. We present an integrated developmental approach to child and adult health that considers the costs and benefits of interventions over the life cycle. We suggest policies to promote child health which are currently outside the boundaries of conventional pediatrics. We discuss current challenges to the field and suggest avenues for future research.
Keywords: Child Health; Adult Health; Early Interventions; Developmental Approach
JEL Codes: I12; I18
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| early life capabilities (J24) | offspring's health outcomes (I14) |
| early life capabilities (J24) | offspring's educational outcomes (I24) |
| early life conditions (J19) | changes in brain structure and functions (D87) |
| changes in brain structure and functions (D87) | cognitive impairments (D91) |
| early childhood interventions (J13) | educational attainment (I21) |
| early childhood interventions (J13) | reduced crime rates (K14) |
| early childhood interventions (J13) | better health outcomes in adulthood (I14) |
| early childhood interventions (J13) | reduction of externalizing behaviors in children (H23) |