In this paper, the authors use the Young Lives longitudinal dataset from Peru to investigate the relationship between psychosocial competencies related to the concepts of self-esteem, self-efficacy, and aspirations, and a number of risky behaviours at a crucial transition period between adolescence and early adulthood.

Firstly, they document a high prevalence of risky behaviours with 1 out of 2 individuals engaging in at least one risky activity by the age 19 with a dramatic increase between age 15 and 19. Secondly, they find a pronounced pro-male bias and some differences by area of residence particularly in drinking habits which are more prevalent in urban areas. Thirdly, they find a negative correlation between early self-esteem and later risky behaviours which is robust to a number of specifications. Further, aspiring to higher education at the age of 15 is correlated to a lower probability of engaging in criminal behaviours at the age of 19. Similarly, aspirations protect girls from risky sexual behaviours.

Teenage pregnancy, Risky behaviours, Psychosocial, Aspirations, Peru.

Download Psychosocial competencies and risky behaviours in Peru, Marta Favara and Alan Sanchez.