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Exposure to childhood violence linked to psychiatric disorders

A study published in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry found that nearly one-quarter of 12-year-olds from public schools had a psychiatric disorder, with depression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder being the most common diagnoses. Investing in socio-economic inequality prevention and preventing violent events during child...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalBrazilian Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 8, 2018

Are childhood blood lead levels associated with criminal behavior?

A recent study from New Zealand found no consistent association between childhood lead exposure and adult criminal behavior, challenging previous research on the topic. Despite well-documented effects of lead on brain development, researchers did not detect a dose-response relationship between higher childhood blood levels and increase...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 26, 2017

College completion and health among disadvantaged minorities

Researchers found that college graduates from minority groups exhibited lower rates of depression than non-graduates, despite experiencing socioeconomic disadvantages in childhood. However, black and Hispanic college graduates showed higher rates of metabolic syndrome compared to their noncollege counterparts.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2017

Study reads between the lines in children's vocabulary differences

Grade school children from low-income homes have significantly smaller vocabularies compared to their peers, with a 10% difference in word learning, leading to long-term academic implications. The study suggests that increasing vocabulary through oral methods and visualizing sentence relationships can be effective interventions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateNov 30, 2017

Autism prevalence and socioeconomic status: What's the connection?

A new study found that children living in disadvantaged neighborhoods are less likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder due to limited access to healthcare providers. The study analyzed data from over 1.3 million children across the US and suggests that advances in screening techniques may not be the primary reason for the ...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 11, 2017

Calorie postings on menus cause more health mentions in online restaurant reviews

A study found that calorie postings on menus lead to a significant increase in health-related discussions in online restaurant reviews, suggesting potential spillovers towards healthier restaurants. The result indicates that calorie posting can shift consumers towards healthier alternatives not only inside but also outside the restaurant.

Discrimination more likely when resources are scarce

A study by Cornell University psychologist Amy Krosch found that when resources are scarce, prejudiced individuals discriminate more against black recipients than white recipients. Egalitarian participants, on the other hand, tend to give more funding to protect racial minority group members.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 4, 2017

Academic motivation suffers when economic mobility seems out of reach

New studies from Northwestern University reveal that high school and college students from low SES backgrounds are less motivated to overcome academic hardships when they doubt their chances of achieving upward mobility. The research highlights the importance of providing viable paths to future financial stability for these students.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJul 11, 2017

CU Anschutz research investigates role of protein in obesity among Latin American women

A recent study published in the American Journal of Human Biology found that limited access to dietary protein is a potential driver of obesity among women of low socioeconomic status in Latin America. The researchers used the protein leverage hypothesis to understand differences in obesity among socioeconomic groups and discovered an ...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateFeb 8, 2017

Study dispels myth that Santa only visits children who are nice

A recent BMJ study dispels the myth that Santa only visits well-behaved children. Instead, research suggests socioeconomic factors play a significant role in determining whether Santa will visit a child. The study found that pediatric wards in areas of higher socioeconomic deprivation were less likely to receive Santa visits.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 14, 2016

The kids are alright: Youth are civically engaged, despite income inequality

A recent study by NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that youth are more civically engaged in unequal counties, with higher rates of volunteering and importance placed on helping others. This contradicts research among adults, which shows lower civic engagement in areas of greater income inequality.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateNov 10, 2016

Research review confirms positive school climates can narrow achievement gaps

A comprehensive analysis of research published since 2000 found that schools with positive climates can narrow achievement gaps among students of different socioeconomic backgrounds. The study suggests that by promoting a positive climate, schools can decrease socioeconomic inequalities and enable more social mobility.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalReview of Educational Research·DateNov 1, 2016