Asset Building Financial Inclusion Report

Toward a Theory of Financial Savings and Child Well-Being: Implications for Research on a Children and Youth Savings Account Policy Demonstration

The purpose of this essay is to develop a theoretical model for the investigation of outcomes in asset accumulation programs. Here we will consider the case of child and youth saving account programs, and make an initial effort to establish a theoretical model that clarifies the independent variables, mediating and causal pathways, control variables, and potential psychosocial outcomes.

Project: SEED National Initiative

Citation

Scanlon, E. (2001). Toward a theory of financial savings and child well-being: Implications for research on a children and youth savings account policy demonstration (CSD Report No. CYSAPD 01-11).  St. Louis, MO: Washington University, Center for Social Development.