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on Neuroeconomics |
| By: | Adamecz, Anna (University College London); Kiss, Hubert János (Corvinus University of Budapest) |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates whether adolescents’ core self-evaluation (CSE), a broad personality construct capturing individuals’ appraisal of their self-worth and capabilities, predicts interpersonal trust decades later. Using nationally representative longitudinal data from the BCS70, we construct CSE measures from self-esteem, locus of control, and emotional stability at age 16 and examine their relationship with trust reported at ages 34, 42, 46, and 50. We find that higher adolescent CSE is positively associated with greater trust in others later in life. The estimated associations are comparable in magnitude to those between trust and cognitive ability. They are stable over time and are not explained by selection to the sample, educational attainment, labor market success, or family formation. Importantly, we find that the relative importance of CSE components varies by adolescent mental health: locus of control is more predictive among individuals with better mental health, while emotional stability plays a stronger role among those with elevated depressive symptoms. These findings underscore the long-term social relevance of core self-evaluation and highlight its importance as a psychological antecedent of trust. |
| Keywords: | 1970 British Cohort Study, longitudinal analysis, personality traits, core self-evaluation, interpersonal trust, non-cognitive skills |
| JEL: | D01 D91 J19 |
| Date: | 2025–08 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18086 |
| By: | Lian, Jr-Jiun |
| Abstract: | In recent years, Taiwan has been consistently targeted by cognitive warfare launched by China, using tactics that demonstrate a level of complexity beyond traditional academic definitions. This paper examines cognitive warfare through a multi-modal framework, integrating the concept of horizontal dissemination from political communication theory to expand scholarly understanding of these strategies. It also asserts that since cognitive warfare includes “malicious socio-disruptive technologies, ” such tactics should not be categorized under the rights protected by free speech. This study extensively examines the theoretical and practical frameworks for countering cognitive warfare, focusing on three primary concerns: first, the clarification of the multi-modal cognitive warfare framework; second, analyses of cognitive warfare from both theoretical and practical perspectives; and third, proposing possible response strategies rooted in Taiwan’s democratic resilience. Keywords: horizontal transmission, democratic resilience, multidimensional linguistic analysis, multimodal framework, political communication, cognitive warfare |
| Date: | 2025–06–13 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:xj63k_v1 |
| By: | Lavy, Victor (University of Warwick, Hebrew University, and NBER); Rachkovski, Genia (Tel Aviv University); Yoresh, Omry (London School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | Literature has shown that air pollution can have short- and long-term adverse effects on physiological and cognitive performance. In this study, we estimate the effect of increased pollution levels on the likelihood of accidents in construction sites, a significant factor related to productivity losses in the labor market. Using data from all construction sites and pollution monitoring stations in Israel, we find a strong and significant causal effect of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), one of the primary air pollutants, on construction site accidents. We find that a 10-ppb increase in NO2 levels increases the likelihood of an accident by as much as 25 percent. Importantly, our findings suggest that these effects are non-linear. While moderate pollution levels, according to EPA standards, compared to clean air levels, increase the likelihood of accidents by 138 percent, unhealthy levels increase it by 377 percent. We present a mechanism where the effect of pollution is exacerbated in conditions with high cognitive strain or reduced awareness. Finally, we perform a cost-benefit analysis, supported by a nonparametric estimation calculating the implied number of accidents due to NO2 exposure, and examining a potential welfare-improving policy to subsidize the closure of construction sites on highly polluted days. |
| Keywords: | Workplace Accidents, Labor Productivity, Air Pollution, Government Policy JEL Classification: |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cge:wacage:770 |
| By: | Sonia Bhalotra; N. Meltem Daysal; Mircea Trandafir |
| Abstract: | Mental health disorders tend to emerge in childhood, with half starting by age 14. This makes early intervention important, but treatment rates are low, and antidepressant treatment for children remains controversial since an FDA warning in 2004 that highlighted adverse effects. Linking individuals across Danish administrative registers, we provide some of the first evidence of impacts of antidepressant treatment in childhood on objectively measured mental health indicators and economic outcomes over time, and the first attempt to investigate under- vs over-treatment. Leveraging conditional random assignment of patients to psychiatrists with different prescribing tendencies, we find that treatment during ages 8-15 improves test scores at age 16, particularly in Math, increases enrollment in post-compulsory education at age 18, and that it leads to higher employment and earnings and lower welfare dependence at ages 25--30. We demonstrate, on average, a reduction in suicide attempts, self-harm, and hospital visits following AD initiation. The gains to treatment are, in general, larger for low SES children, but they are less likely to be treated. Using a marginal treatment effects framework and Math scores as the focal outcome, we show positive returns to treatment among the untreated. Policy simulations confirm that expanding treatment among low SES children (and boys) generates substantial net benefits, consistent with under-treatment in these groups. Our findings underscore the potential of early mental health treatment to improve longer term economic outcomes and reducing inequality. |
| Keywords: | antidepressants, mental health, education, test scores, human capital, Denmark, physician leniency, marginal treatment effects |
| JEL: | I11 I12 I18 J13 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ces:ceswps:_12067 |