Economic stress, skills and life outcomes

Funding agency

Australian Research Council

Project period

2019–2022

Project investigators

Research aims

Using a mix of (natural) experiments and advanced econometric modelling techniques, the project aims to identify the role of economic stress in non-cognitive skill (NCS) development and life outcomes such as health, education and labour market success. The project also aims to investigate the role of schooling in boosting NCS of disadvantaged children. This research will provide evidence-based policy advice on how human capital investments in non-cognitive skills (NCS), especially for disadvantaged children, can be beneficial for health, educational and labour market success, and b) how NCS can still be effective despite exposure to economic stress.

Publications

Avdic, D, de New, S.C. and D. Kamhoefer (2021), Economic Downturns and Mental Health in Germany, European Economic Review, 140, 103915.

de New, S.C., S. Schurer and D. Sulzmaier (2021), Gender Differences in the Lifecycle Benefits of Compulsory Schooling Policies, European Economic Review, 140, 103910.

Botha, F., de New, J., de New, S.C., Ribar, S. and N Salamanca (2021), Implications of COVID-19 Labour Market Shocks for Inequality in Financial Wellbeing, Journal of Population Economics, 34 (2), 655-689.