Testing Potential Correlations Between Childhood Lead Exposure and Authoritarianism in Adulthood

Author

• Kragen Anderson, Portland State UniversityFollow

First Advisor

Professor Grace Arnold

Date of Award

Spring 6-12-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Economics and University Honors

Department

Economics

Language

English

Subjects

Lead, Authoritarianism, Voting, Donald Trump, Elections, Economics

Abstract

A significant body of research links lead exposure during childhood to negative effects ranging from increased impulsivity to societal level effects such as an increased likelihood of committing violent crime in adulthood. Due to exposure vectors such as lead water pipes, lead solder, lead based paints, and leaded gasoline there was significant lead exposure during childhood for large portions of the American population. This paper tested and found a statistically significant association between average population level lead exposure in childhood and likelihood of voting for candidate Trump later in life.

Comments

Updated Thesis to incorporate most recent revision requirements and suggestions. 

Recommended Citation

Anderson, Kragen, "Testing Potential Correlations Between Childhood Lead Exposure and Authoritarianism in Adulthood" (2026). University Honors Theses. Paper 1896.