Disaster exposure in childhood and adult noncognitive skill: evidence from the Philippines
摘要
The relevance of noncognitive skills to individuals’ socio-economic outcomes has become a crucial point of interest. The literature suggests that those who possess growth mindsets—the belief that intelligence can be developed—are more likely to succeed academically and respond better to adversity and social exclusion. However, how these beliefs or mindsets are formed is scarcely explored. Exploiting exogenous variations in the timing and path of tropical cyclones in the Philippines, this study examines the association between experiencing natural disasters in childhood and adult growth mindset. Results reveal that exposure to more tropical cyclones during utero and infancy is associated with the belief in adulthood that intelligence is fixed and cannot be developed. We also provide suggestive evidence that this association is mediated by poor childhood nutrition and health. Such findings point to the significance of prioritizing infant and maternal care in disaster and climate policy.