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Identification of the Effect of Depression on Risky Sexual Behavior: Exploiting a Natural Experiment

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  • Susan L. Averett
  • Yang Wang

Abstract

Depression is pervasive in the US particularly among women. The costs in terms of direct medical costs and forgone earnings are substantial. This paper investigates an additional cost of depression. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health, we use a unique instrument, the attacks of September 11, which have been linked to depression, to identify the effect of depression on risky sexual behaviors. We find that depressed women are more likely to be sexually active, to engage in oral sex and to have sex without a condom, even after controlling for a rich set of covariates.

Suggested Citation

  • Susan L. Averett & Yang Wang, 2012. "Identification of the Effect of Depression on Risky Sexual Behavior: Exploiting a Natural Experiment," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 102(3), pages 570-574, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aecrev:v:102:y:2012:i:3:p:570-74
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    File URL: http://www.aeaweb.org/articles.php?doi=10.1257/aer.102.3.570
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jenness, S.M. & Begier, E.M. & Neaigus, A. & Murrill, C.S. & Wendel, T. & Hagan, H., 2011. "Unprotected anal intercourse and sexually transmitted diseases in high-risk heterosexual women," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 101(4), pages 745-750.
    2. Lescano, C.M. & Houck, C.D. & Brown, L.K. & Doherty, G. & DiClemente, R.J. & Fernandez, M.I. & Pugatch, D. & Schlenger, W.E. & Silver, B.J., 2009. "Correlates of heterosexual anal intercourse among at-risk adolescents and young adults," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(6), pages 1131-1136.
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    Cited by:

    1. Susan Averett & Sarah Estelle, 2014. "Will daughters walk mom’s talk? The effects of maternal communication about sex on the sexual behavior of female adolescents," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 12(4), pages 613-639, December.
    2. Merrill, Renae A. & Liang, Xinya, 2019. "Associations between adolescent media use, mental health, and risky sexual behaviors," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 1-9.
    3. Susan L. Averett & Yang Wang, 2016. "Identifying the causal effect of alcohol abuse on the perpetration of intimate partner violence by men using a natural experiment," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 82(3), pages 697-724, January.
    4. Averett, Susan L. & Wang, Yang, 2014. "Identifying the Causal Effect of Alcohol Abuse on the Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence by Men Using a Natural Experiment," IZA Discussion Papers 7996, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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