MENTAL HEALTH ON THE MOVE: THE EFFECTS OF RELOCATION ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH OF MILITARY CHILDREN
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Authors
Boatner, John L.
Subjects
relocation
moving
health outcomes
psychological health
behavioral health
academic outcomes
military children
event study
military relocations
health impacts
behavioral outcomes
long-term effects
mental health
moving
health outcomes
psychological health
behavioral health
academic outcomes
military children
event study
military relocations
health impacts
behavioral outcomes
long-term effects
mental health
Advisors
Massenkoff, Maxim
Date of Issue
2025-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Using rich panel data linking medical records of children in military families to their sponsor's service records, I estimate the effects of moving on psychological and behavioral health diagnoses of children. To identify causal effects, I employ an event study framework that leverages variation in treatment timing among children. I find significant short-term disruption effects in the quarter of a move, with up to a 10% reduction in diagnoses. Younger children (under 10) experience a larger initial decline in diagnoses, followed by a sharp increase in diagnoses in subsequent quarters. In contrast, children aged 10 or older exhibit a smaller initial decline compared to younger children, but their disruption period lasts for an additional quarter after the move. I do not find strong evidence of long-term effects of moving on psychological and behavioral diagnosis rates in children. Diagnosis rates generally return to pre-trend levels once children are established in their new location. Overall, my findings suggest that while moving temporarily disrupts diagnoses, the long-term effects on children's psychological or behavioral health diagnoses appear to be minimal.
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Thesis
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Distribution Statement
Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.
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This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.