Psychosocial Competencies and Risky Behaviours in Peru

51 Pages Posted: 10 Oct 2016 Last revised: 19 May 2022

See all articles by Marta Favara

Marta Favara

University of Oxford

Alan Sanchez

Central Reserve Bank of 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 drinking and of engaging in criminal behaviours at the age of 19. Similarly, aspirations protect girls from risky sexual behaviours.

Keywords: Peru, psychosocial competencies, risky behaviours, young lives

JEL Classification: I12, K42

Suggested Citation

favara, marta and Sanchez, Alan, Psychosocial Competencies and Risky Behaviours in Peru. IZA Discussion Paper No. 10260, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2849745

Marta Favara (Contact Author)

University of Oxford ( email )

Alan Sanchez

Central Reserve Bank of Peru ( email )

Jirón Miroquesada 441
Lima, Lima 1
Peru

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