Reducing Crime and Violence: Experimental Evidence from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Liberia

摘要: We show that a number of “noncognitive” skills and preferences, including patience identity, are malleable in adults, investments them reduce crime violence. recruited criminally-engaged men randomized half to eight weeks cognitive behavioral therapy designed foster self-regulation, patience, noncriminal identity lifestyle. also $200 grants. Cash alone initially reduced violence, but effects dissipated over time. When cash followed therapy, violence decreased dramatically for at least year. hypothesize reinforced therapy’s impacts by prolonging learning-by-doing, lifestyle changes, self-investment.