A NOTED PROFESSOR is to address the Economic and Social Research Institute (ERSI) this evening on the long-lasting effects of mental health issues during childhood.

Studies published by Professor James P. Smith, Chair of Labour Markets and Demographic Studies at the nonprofit RAND Corporation, have shown that the physical health of children is not as influential on socio-economic factors later in life as mental health is.

This is despite more attention being given to staying healthy rather than on how to handle and improve mental health.

‘Baffled’ by lack of attention

Speaking to TheJournal.ie, Professor Smith said he was “baffled” by the amount of time given to encouraging children to exercise and improve their physical health, while “far less” attention is given to mental health.

He says the mental health of children is correlated to factors later in life, such as their ability to get married and their income levels.

While his studies have focused on the UK and the US, Professor Smith says new research shows many of these findings are just as relevant to Ireland.

“There is a growing recognition that these issues are being neglected,” he said, “and it has an estimated effect on the US economy of up to $3 billion per year”.

“It’s much, much more difficult now to be a child than years ago.”

Professor Smith received the National Institutes of Health Merit Award twice, as well as a Ulysses Medal from University College Dublin.

He will be speaking in Ireland as part of the ERSI’s Geary Lecture Series this evening at 4PM. More details of the event are available here.

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