Full Citation

Title: The Impact of Housing Assistance on the Mental Health of Children in the United States

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2018

ISBN:

ISSN:

DOI: 10.1177/0022146518792286

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Abstract: Housing assistance policies may lead to improved mental health for children and adolescents by improving housing quality, stability, and affordability. We use a unique data linkage of the National Health Interview Survey and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development administrative data to examine the impact of housing assistance on parent-reported mental health outcomes for children ages 2 to 17 (N = 1,967). We account for selection into housing assistance using a pseudo-waitlist method that compares children receiving assistance to those who will enter housing assistance within two years of their interview. Compared to those in the pseudo-waitlist group, we find that children living in public housing have better mental health outcomes. We do not find similar benefits for children receiving vouchers. Our results suggest that housing assistance policies can have a positive impact on mental health among disadvantaged children.

Url: http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0022146518792286

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Fenelon, Andrew; Slopen, Natalie; Boudreaux, Michel; Newman, Sandra J.

Periodical (Full): Journal of Health and Social Behavior

Issue: 3

Volume: 59

Pages: 447-463

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Health

Countries: United States