RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Caught in the Bulimic Trap?
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 736
OP 767
DO 10.3368/jhr.48.3.736
VO 48
IS 3
A1 John C. Ham
A1 Daniela Iorio
A1 Michelle Sovinsky
YR 2013
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/48/3/736.abstract
AB Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a growing health concern and its consequences are especially serious given the compulsive nature of the disorder. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the persistent nature of BN. Using data from the NHLBI Growth and Health Study and instrumental variable techniques, we document that unobserved heterogeneity plays a role in the persistence of BN, but up to two-thirds of it is due to state dependence. Our findings suggest that the timing of policy is crucial: Preventive educational programs should be coupled with more intense (rehabilitation) treatment at the early stages of the BN behaviors.