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Reducing Crime and Violence: Experimental Evidence from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Liberia

Christopher Blattman, Julian C. Jamison and Margaret Sheridan

American Economic Review, 2017, vol. 107, issue 4, 1165-1206

Abstract: We show that a number of noncognitive skills and preferences, including patience and identity, are malleable in adults, and that investments in them reduce crime and violence. We recruited criminally engaged men and randomized one-half to eight weeks of cognitive behavioral therapy designed to foster self-regulation, patience, and a noncriminal identity and lifestyle. We also randomized $200 grants. Cash alone and therapy alone initially reduced crime and violence, but effects dissipated over time. When cash followed therapy, crime and violence decreased dramatically for at least a year. We hypothesize that cash reinforced therapy's impacts by prolonging learning-by doing, lifestyle changes, and self-investment.

JEL-codes: D12 D83 H23 I32 K42 O15 O17 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
Note: DOI: 10.1257/aer.20150503
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (136)

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