Search Results

Author: Helland, Eric
Resulting in 1 citation.
1. Antecol, Heather
Bedard, Kelly
Helland, Eric
Does Single Parenthood Increase the Probability of Teenage Promiscuity, Drug Use, and Crime? Evidence from Divorce Law Changes
Working Paper, Claremont Colleges Working Papers in Economics, November 2002.
Also: http://econ.claremontmckenna.edu/papers/2002-23.pdf
Cohort(s): Children of the NLSY79, NLSY79 Young Adult
Publisher: Claremont Colleges Working Paper in Economics
Keyword(s): Adolescent Behavior; Alcohol Use; Crime; Deviance; Drug Use; Family Structure; Fathers, Biological; Marital Dissolution; Sexual Activity; Smoking (see Cigarette Use); Substance Use

Permission to reprint the abstract has not been received from the publisher.

There is longstanding evidence that children raised by single parents are more likely to perform poorly in school and partake in 'deviant' behaviors such as smoking, sex, substance use and crime at young ages. However, as of yet there is not widespread evidence or agreement as to whether or not the timing of the marital disruption differentially impacts youth outcomes. Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY) and the NLSY Young Adult Supplement, we find that the longer the biological father remains in the household the lower the probability that youth engage in sexual activity. In contrast, it is youth whose fathers are never present who are more likely to be convicted of a crime, youth whose fathers leave during adolescence who are more likely to drink alcohol and use illegal drugs and youth whose fathers leave during childhood who are more likely to smoke cigarettes.
Bibliography Citation
Antecol, Heather, Kelly Bedard and Eric Helland. "Does Single Parenthood Increase the Probability of Teenage Promiscuity, Drug Use, and Crime? Evidence from Divorce Law Changes." Working Paper, Claremont Colleges Working Papers in Economics, November 2002.