The Effects of Child Physical Maltreatment on Nutritional Outcomes: Evidence from Peru
Authors
Prakarsh Singh
Álvaro Morales
Type
Article
Journal
The Journal of Development Studies Vol. 51 Issue 7
Pages
826-850
Date
06-08-2015
Abstract

Do children whose parents use physical punishment as a disciplinary method have lower anthropometric measures? Using data for Peruvian children aged 0–5 years, we employ instrumental variables for physical punishment to overcome endogeneity problems common to the household violence literature. Across varying levels of controls, children exposed to physical punishment have significantly poorer short-term nutritional outcomes; although there is no effect on long-term nutrition. We explore heterogeneous effects and potential mechanisms. Children exposed to physical maltreatment fall ill more frequently and are less likely to access preventive and curative healthcare.

Article.