Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 8, 2025
08:09
Psychophysiological Assessment of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies in Childhood
Published on: February 11, 2017
11.6K
The effect of increased minimum wage on child externalizing behaviors
Briana Woods-Jaeger1, Melvin D Livingston1, Emily D Lemon1
1Department of Behavioral, Social, & Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, United States.
Preventive Medicine Reports
|January 3, 2022
Summary
Increasing the minimum wage can reduce child externalizing behaviors, particularly violence, in vulnerable families. This policy may improve child development by boosting economic security.
Area of Science:
- Socioeconomic factors and child development
- Public health policy and child behavior
- Economics and developmental psychology
Background:
- The Family Stress Model (FSM) links socioeconomic disadvantage to child externalizing behaviors.
- Economic security interventions may reduce these behaviors.
- Child externalizing behaviors include rule-breaking, attention problems, and violence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effect of minimum wage laws on child externalizing behaviors.
- To investigate if increased family income via minimum wage impacts child behavior.
- To assess minimum wage policy as a primary prevention strategy for child violence.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing study (2002-2010).
- Difference-in-difference-in-differences (DDD) study design.
- Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) used to assess externalizing behaviors (rule-breaking, attention problems, violence).
Main Results:
- A $1 increase in minimum wage correlated with a 2% reduction in violent behaviors.
- This effect was observed in vulnerable families with caregivers lacking a high school education.
- The association was statistically significant (β = -1.90, 95% CI[-3.12, -0.68], p = 0.003).
Conclusions:
- Minimum wage increases are associated with reduced severe externalizing behaviors in children.
- Higher family incomes positively impact child development.
- Minimum wage policy can be an effective tool for preventing child violence.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
415
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
415
01:28Conduct Disorder
168
Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
168
01:30Oppositional Defiant Disorder
189
A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Diagnostic Criteria and...
189
01:21Behavior Modification
292
Behavioral approaches have often been criticized for ignoring mental processes and focusing solely on observable behavior. However, these approaches provide an optimistic perspective for individuals seeking to change their behaviors. Rather than concentrating on intrinsic personality traits, behavioral approaches suggest that even longstanding habits can be modified by changing the reward contingencies that maintain them.
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
292
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
468
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
468
01:24Operant Conditioning Intervention
152
Operant conditioning serves as a foundational principle in therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying maladaptive behaviors. Central to this approach is the notion that behaviors, both adaptive and maladaptive, are learned through reinforcement. By analyzing the environmental factors that reinforce problematic behaviors, clinicians can design interventions to weaken these reinforcements and replace maladaptive behaviors with healthier alternatives.
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
In operant conditioning, behaviors that are...
152