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Can early intervention policies improve wellbeing? Evidence from a randomized controlled trial

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Daly

    (Behavioural Science Centre, Stirling Management School, Stirling University)

  • Liam Delaney

    (Behavioural Science Centre, Stirling Management School, Stirling University, UCD School of Economics and UCD Geary Institute, University College Dublin)

  • Orla Doyle

    (UCD School of Economics and UCD Geary Institute, University College Dublin)

  • Nick Fitzpatrick

    (UCD Geary Institute, University College Dublin)

  • Christine O'Farrelly

    (UCD Geary Institute, University College Dublin)

Abstract
Many authors have proposed incorporating measures of well-being into evaluations of public policy. Yet few evaluations use experimental design or examine multiple aspects of well-being, thus the causal impact of public policies on well-being is largely unknown. In this paper we examine the effect of an intensive early intervention program on maternal well-being in a targeted disadvantaged community. Using a randomized controlled trial design we estimate and compare treatment effects on global well-being using measures of life satisfaction, experienced well-being using both the Day Reconstruction Method (DRM) and a measure of mood yesterday, and also a standardized measure of parenting stress. The intervention has no significant impact on negative measures of well-being, such as experienced negative affect as measured by the DRM and global measures of well-being such as life satisfaction or a global measure of parenting stress. Significant treatment effects are observed on experienced measures of positive affect using the DRM, and a measure of mood yesterday. The DRM treatment effects are primarily concentrated during times spent without the target child which may reflect the increased effort and burden associated with additional parental investment. Our findings suggest that a maternal-focused intervention may produce meaningful improvements in experienced well-being. Incorporating measures of experienced affect may thus alter cost-benefit calculations for public policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Daly & Liam Delaney & Orla Doyle & Nick Fitzpatrick & Christine O'Farrelly, 2014. "Can early intervention policies improve wellbeing? Evidence from a randomized controlled trial," Working Papers 201410, Geary Institute, University College Dublin.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucd:wpaper:201410
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. Daniela Del Boca & Chiara Pronzato & Lucia Schiavon, 2020. "How Parents' Skills Affect Their Time Use with Children: Evidence from an RCT Experiment in Italy," Working Papers 2020-081, Human Capital and Economic Opportunity Working Group.
    2. Orla Doyle, 2017. "The First 2,000 Days and Child Skills: Evidence from a Randomized Experiment of Home Visiting," Working Papers 201715, School of Economics, University College Dublin.
    3. Andrew E. Clark & Orla Doyle & Elena Stancanelli, 2017. "The Impact of Terrorism on Well-being: Evidence from the Boston Marathon Bombing," Working Papers 201717, School of Economics, University College Dublin.
    4. Flavia Coda Moscarola & Daniela Del Boca & Giovanna Paladino, 2024. "Intergenerational Transmission of Preferences and Parental Behaviours," CESifo Working Paper Series 10902, CESifo.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Wellbeing; Randomised Controlled Trial; Early Intervention;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I00 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - General - - - General
    • I39 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Other

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