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Kindergarten conduct problems are associated with monetized outcomes in adolescence and adulthood.
- Source :
-
Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines [J Child Psychol Psychiatry] 2024 Mar; Vol. 65 (3), pp. 328-339. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 May 31. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Background: Across several sites in the United States, we examined whether kindergarten conduct problems among mostly population-representative samples of children were associated with increased criminal and related (criminal + lost offender productivity + victim; described as criminal + victim hereafter) costs across adolescence and adulthood, as well as government and medical services costs in adulthood.<br />Methods: Participants (N = 1,339) were from two multisite longitudinal studies: Fast Track (n = 754) and the Child Development Project (n = 585). Parents and teachers reported on kindergarten conduct problems, administrative and national database records yielded indexes of criminal offending, and participants self-reported their government and medical service use. Outcomes were assigned costs, and significant associations were adjusted for inflation to determine USD 2020 costs.<br />Results: A 1SD increase in kindergarten conduct problems was associated with a $21,934 increase in adolescent criminal + victim costs, a $63,998 increase in adult criminal + victim costs, a $12,753 increase in medical services costs, and a $146,279 increase in total costs. In the male sample, a 1SD increase in kindergarten conduct problems was associated with a $28,530 increase in adolescent criminal + victim costs, a $58,872 increase in adult criminal + victim costs, and a $144,140 increase in total costs. In the female sample, a 1SD increase in kindergarten conduct problems was associated with a $15,481 increase in adolescent criminal + victim costs, a $62,916 increase in adult criminal + victim costs, a $24,105 increase in medical services costs, and a $144,823 increase in total costs.<br />Conclusions: This investigation provides evidence of the long-term costs associated with early-starting conduct problems, which is important information that can be used by policymakers to support research and programs investing in a strong start for children.<br /> (© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1469-7610
- Volume :
- 65
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 37257941
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13837