Economics Seminar Economics (ESE) - 2023/2024

Interviene: Sergio Galletta, ETH Zurigo

Titolo: Parental Mental Health and Children's Life Outcomes

Abstract: Utilizing Finnish administrative data, this study examines the long-term effects of children’s exposure to parental mental health disorders at varying developmental stages. The research highlights the nuanced differences in impact between maternal and paternal mental health conditions on children's future mental well-being, educational attainment, and occupational status. Findings indicate a general negative association between parental mental health issues and children’s outcomes, with variations in severity depending on the age of exposure and the gender of the affected parent. The results underscore the critical need for targeted interventions during key developmental periods to mitigate the intergenerational effects of mental health disorders.