Psych Central
The economic environment during infancy may be associated with subsequent substance use and delinquent behavior during adolescence, according to new research. A research team led by Seethalakshmi Ramanathan of the State University of New York Upstate Medical University examined the relationship between the high unemployment rates during and after the 1980 and 1981-1982 recession, and rates of subsequent adolescent substance use and delinquent behaviors. Researchers used data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, which included a group of 8,984 adolescents born between Jan. 1, 1980, and Dec. 31, 1984. “The results demonstrate a strong correlation between the unemployment rate during infancy and subsequent behavioral problems,” the researchers said in the study.
