Sustainable Transformation for Youth in Liberia: Policy Brief No. 1
Self control, time preferences, and values are malleable in adults, and investments in these skills and preferences reduce crime and violence
Abstract
We show that self control, time preferences, and values are malleable in adults, and that investments in these skills and preferences reduce crime and violence. We recruited criminally-engaged Liberian men and randomized half to eight weeks of group cognitive behavioral therapy, fostering self regulation, patience, and noncriminal values. We also randomized $200 grants. Cash alone and therapy alone dramatically reduced crime and violence, but effects dissipated within a year. When cash followed therapy, however, crime and violence decreased by as much as 50% for at least a year. We hypothesize that cash reinforced therapy’s lessons by prolonging practice and self-investment.
This research is part of the Gender, Growth and Labour Markets in Low-Income Countries programme
Citation
Blattman, C., Jamison, J. & Sheridan, M. (2015). Sustainable Transformation for Youth in Liberia. GLMLIC Policy Brief No. 1. Available at: https://g2lm-lic.iza.org/publications/pb/pb1/
Link