Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Combining Behavioral Endocrinology and Experimental Economics: Testosterone and Social Decision Making
Published on: March 2, 2011
Economic downturns and infant health
Rob Alessie1, Viola Angelini1, Jochen O Mierau1
1University of Groningen, Netherlands.
Abstract:
We study the gender-specific impact of macroeconomic conditions around birth on infant health. We use a sample of over 50,000 respondents born between 1950 and 1994 from Lifelines-a cohort and biobank from the northern Netherlands. Our results show that high provincial unemployment rates decrease fertility and lead to a lower birthweight in boys. The negative impact of high unemployment on birthweight is particularly strong for boys born to older mothers and for babies born to smoking mothers.
Related Concept Videos
Health Literacy
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children
Purpose of Health Records I
Here's a breakdown of how health records serve these purposes:
Purpose of Health Records II
Concepts of Health and Illness
Dimensions of Health and Illness

