Psychosocial competencies and risky behaviours in Peru

Marta Favara and Alan Sanchez

IZA Journal of Labor & Development, 2017, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-40

Abstract: Abstract We use a unique longitudinal dataset from Peru to investigate the relationship between psychosocial competencies related to the concepts of self-esteem, self-efficacy, and aspirations, and a number of risky behaviours at a crucial transition period between adolescence and early adulthood. First of all, we document a high prevalence of risky behaviours with 1 out of 2 individuals engaging in at least one risky activity by the age 19 with a dramatic increase between age 15 and 19. Second, we find a pronounced pro-male bias and some differences by area of residence particularly in drinking habits which are more prevalent in urban areas. Third, we find a negative correlation between early self-esteem and later risky behaviours which is robust to a number of specifications. Further, aspiring to higher education at the age of 15 is correlated to a lower probability of engaging in criminal behaviours at the age of 19. Similarly, aspirations protect girls from risky sexual behaviours. JEL classification: J24, J13, O15.

Keywords: Teenage pregnancy; Risky behaviours; Psychosocial; Aspirations; Peru (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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Working Paper: Psychosocial Competencies and Risky Behaviours in Peru (2016)
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DOI: 10.1186/s40175-016-0069-3

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