Forced intercourse, mental Health, and human capital Articles uri icon

publication date

  • January 2013

start page

  • 324

end page

  • 344

issue

  • 2

volume

  • 80

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0038-4038

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 2325-8012

abstract

  • Previous studies have found evidence that experiencing a traumatic event during childhood or adolescence can interfere with the acquisition of human capital. Drawing on data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we estimate the effects of being the victim of forced intercourse on the mental health, academic performance, and educational attainment of young women paying careful attention to the role of unobservables at the individual, family, and community levels. Our results suggest that forced intercourse is strongly related to depression. Moreover, there is evidence that the psychological damage caused by forced intercourse leads to reduced academic performance and educational attainment. © Southern Economic Association, 2013.