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Princeton School of Public and International Affairs


Targeted campaigns provoke judges to cater to majority sentiment on the death penalty

Researchers found that judges are more likely to side with public majority sentiment on the death penalty after being targeted by moneyed interest groups. The study used a large dataset of over 12,000 votes from 27 years and found that judicial behaviors changed with the rise of new-style campaigns.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateFeb 17, 2014

Americans with and without children at home report similar life satisfaction but more positive and negative emotions

Despite initial expectations, Americans with and without children at home exhibit similar levels of life satisfaction when controlling for factors such as education, income, health, and religiosity. However, parents experience more emotional highs and lows than nonparents, including higher rates of happiness, sadness, worry, and stress.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2014

Black mayoral candidates win close elections in the South, pointing to importance of voter mobilization

A study by Princeton University finds that black mayoral candidates in Southern cities tend to win close elections with higher voter turnout than their opponents. This is attributed to effective voter mobilization strategies that targeted unregistered African-American voters, making it cheaper for black campaigns to get these votes out.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalJournal of Public Economics·DateDec 16, 2013

Death of an adult son increases depressive symptoms in mothers, but not fathers

A recent study found that the death of an adult son significantly increased depressive symptoms in mothers, but not fathers. Mothers who relied heavily on their sons for support experienced greater declines in overall health and wellbeing. In contrast, the loss of a daughter had no impact on parental wellbeing.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateDec 4, 2013