Format
Scientific article
Publication Date
Published by / Citation
Favara and Sanchez. (2017) .Psychosocial competencies and risky behaviours in Peru. IZA Journal of Labor & Development 6:3 DOI 10.1186/s40175-016-0069-3
Original Language

English

Country
Peru
Keywords
teenage pregnancy
risky behaviour
psychosocial
aspirations
Peru

Psychosocial Competencies and Risky Behaviours in Peru

Abstract

We use a unique longitudinal dataset from Peru to investigate the relationship between psychosocial competencies related to the concepts of self-esteem, self-efficacy, and aspirations, and a number of risky behaviours at a crucial transition period between adolescence and early adulthood. First of all, we document a high prevalence of risky behaviours with 1 out of 2 individuals engaging in at least one risky activity by the age 19 with a dramatic increase between age 15 and 19. Second, we find a pronounced pro-male bias and some differences by area of residence particularly in drinking habits which are more prevalent in urban areas. Third, we find a negative correlation between early self-esteem and later risky behaviours which is robust to a number of specifications. Further, aspiring to higher education at the age of 15 is correlated to a lower probability of engaging in criminal behaviours at the age of 19. Similarly, aspirations protect girls from risky sexual behaviours.