Irish Research shows the Harmful Effects of the Recession on Families and Children

Ireland has invested heavily in recent years in the collection of ‘longitudinal’ social science data in the hope of creating better solutions to important social and economic policy questions. Longitudinal data like those in Growing Up in Ireland are very powerful as they follow the same participants over time, and provide data that can be used to study complex social and economic issues. This week, Ireland hosts a conference at which over 300 leading researchers from all over the world will present studies using longitudinal data which show the factors that contribute to better health, wealth and well-being. The conference will be opened by Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr James Reilly TD. On Tuesday, 20th October, Professor Richard Layte from Trinity College will present new results from the Growing Up in Ireland Study (GUI) on how the recent Irish recession impacted on families and children. Poverty is often associated with worse educational performance and child mental health but the reasons for this were unclear. The GUI study followed families during the recession and the paper shows the main pathways through which poverty and deprivation hurt children. The study followed children from 2008 to 2010/11 and shows clearly how economic strain caused by unemployment and falling family incomes damaged parental mental health. This in turn sours the relationship between partners as well as creating harsher, less warm parenting. These poor relationships between parents and children were hugely damaging to child mental health, increasing levels of child anxiety and emotional problems as well as contributing to poor behaviour and conduct both at home and in the classroom. Anxious, unhappy children do worse in school, often with long-term consequences for both wealth and health. Irish Research Findings:

  • Household income fell by 16% between 2008 and 2011 for GUI families.
  • Unemployment among fathers rose from 5.6% to 13.8%. Unemployment among mothers rose from 5.6% to 6.5%.
  • 29% of mothers reported cutting back on basics, 8% being behind with rent or mortgage and 12% being behind with utility bills.
  • The proportion reporting that they had some degree of difficulty in ‘making ends meet’ doubled, rising from 31% in 2008 to 61%.
  • Adjusting for family characteristics and other changes that occurred in circumstances, coming under economic pressure increased the risk of the mother showing clinical levels of depression by 84% compared to mothers who did not come under pressure. The risk for fathers was lower at 61%.
  • Parents who experienced increased psychological distress tended to employ harsher styles of parenting and less warmth. This change was true for parents across levels of education.
  • The relationship between mothers and fathers was highly sensitive to economic strain. Parents under strain reported more arguments, felt less close and were more likely to report that they were unhappy with their relationship.
  • The effect of economic strain on perception of the relationship was higher among mothers compared to fathers.
  • Worsened relationships between children and parents were associated with higher child anxiety and worse conduct as well as lower child happiness.
  • Worsening child conduct and emotional symptoms during the recession led to lower educational test scores. Future waves of GUI will show whether this effect persisted.

Prof Richard Layte (Trinity College Dublin) commented that: “The Growing Up in Ireland Study is a tremendous investment which continues to provide key data on child development and what contributes to healthier, happier and better educated individuals. As the economy improves we need to think carefully about investing for the future. Ireland’s prosperity depends on having an educated, creative and competitive workforce. By investing in children and young people we will be developing healthier, happier and more productive adults for all our tomorrows – and saving money in the process.” Growing Up in Ireland (GUI) is a Government funded study following the progress of almost 20,000 children and their families – a Child Cohort of 8,568 children interviewed at nine years and 13 years of age and an Infant Cohort of 11,134 children participating at nine months and three years of age. The study is being conducted by a consortium of researchers led by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and Trinity College Dublin. Those wishing to find out more about the study can visit the study’s website www.growingup.ie

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