Open AccessThe impact of a poverty reduction intervention on infant brain activity
Author(s) -
Sonya V. TrollerRenfree,
Molly A. Costanzo,
Greg J. Duncan,
Katherine Magnuson,
Lisa A. Gennetian,
Hirokazu Yoshikawa,
Sarah HalpernMeekin,
Nathan A. Fox,
Kimberly G. Noble
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2115649119
Subject(s) - poverty , developmental psychology , brain activity and meditation , psychology , child development , earnings , cash transfers , electroencephalography , medicine , economics , psychiatry , economic growth , accounting
Significance This study demonstrates the causal impact of a poverty reduction intervention on early childhood brain activity. Data from the Baby’s First Years study, a randomized control trial, show that a predictable, monthly unconditional cash transfer given to low-income families may have a causal impact on infant brain activity. In the context of greater economic resources, children’s experiences changed, and their brain activity adapted to those experiences. The resultant brain activity patterns have been shown to be associated with the development of subsequent cognitive skills.