MPC Member Publications

This database contains a listing of population studies publications written by MPC Members. Anyone can add a publication by an MPC student, faculty, or staff member to this database; new citations will be reviewed and approved by MPC administrators.

Full Citation

Title: Discussion Paper Series IZA NETWORK @ LISER Political Stressors and Birth Outcomes: Evidence from the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2026

ISSN: 2365-9793

Abstract: We study political shocks as potential birth outcomes stressors, specifically the unexpected result of the 2016 U.S. presidential election. We investigate this two-sided shock using an innovative data linkage: Colorado voter registrations and birth certificates, matched by sex, birth year, and name. Contrary to our hypotheses, we do not find an effect on birth outcomes. We do find some evidence that stress-related behaviors in pregnancy worsened for Democrats. This research adds new evidence on the effects of in-utero exposure to two-sided stressors, uses a novel data linkage, and expands the new economics area of politics as a determinant of health.

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Golberstein, Ezra; Guth, Daniel; Slusky, David

Periodical (Full):

Issue:

Volume:

Pages:

Countries:

IPUMS NHGIS NAPP IHIS ATUS Terrapop