Yichen Shen, Rong Fu, & Haruko Noguchi. Does College Education Promote Healthier Behaviors? Evidence from Demographic Distortion Caused by Japanese Superstitious Behavior
Abstract
We investigated the causal effects of college education on smoking, drinking, sleeping, and site-specific cancer screening behaviors in Japan. To adjust for endogeneity, we leveraged a unique instrument—demographic distortion caused by people’s superstitious behavior—in which a mismatch between Japanese superstition and the school year in 1967 led to an increase in college educational attainment. We found that one additional year of college education led to a reduction in smoking and drinking and increased cancer screening. Finally, we found that the causal relationship could be mediated by better labor market outcomes rather than social support.
Rong Fu, Yichen Shen & Haruko Noguchi. In Utero Exposure to Radiation Fear and Birth Outcomes: Evidence from the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Accident
Abstract
We studied the impact of in utero radiation fear exposure on fetal health at birth and five years later, using universal birth records linked to censuses in Japan. We leveraged a quasi-experimental setting, where children were unexpectedly exposed to maternal radiation fear from the Fukushima accident. Radiation fear significantly increased the risks of low birth weight and preterm delivery. Exposure to radiation fear in the first trimester had the largest impact. The impact was less profound if mothers were well-educated or fathers were in professional occupations. These findings enhance the understanding of effects of maternal stress caused by intangible risks.