Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/252230 
Year of Publication: 
2022
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 15106
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
Physically attractive individuals experience a range of advantages in adulthood including higher earnings; yet, how attractiveness influences earlier consequential decisions is not well understood. This paper estimates the effect of attractiveness on engagement in risky behaviours in adolescence. We find marked effects across a range of risky behaviours with notable contrasts. More attractive adolescents are more likely to engage in underage drink- ing; while they are less likely to smoke, use drugs, or practice unprotected sex. Investigation into the underlying channels reveals that popularity, self-esteem, and personality attractiveness have roles as mechanisms. Our findings suggest physical attractiveness in adolescence carries long-lasting consequences over the life course.
Subjects: 
beauty
risky behaviours
adolescent development
JEL: 
I12
J10
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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