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Family reunification and mental health

Author

Listed:
  • Cour, Lisbeth la
  • Kruse-Becher, Sanne
  • Larsen, Birthe

Abstract

This paper analyses the connection between migration policy and mental health, specifically how family reunification impacts adult immigrants’ mental health. Using Danish register data from 1995–2019, the study focuses on non-Western immigrants and the purchase of prescription medication for mental health issues. Results indicate that family reunification improves the mental health of low-income non-Western male immigrants, especially those unemployed before reunification. The positive impact is temporary for non-Western women.

Suggested Citation

  • Cour, Lisbeth la & Kruse-Becher, Sanne & Larsen, Birthe, 2025. "Family reunification and mental health," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 255(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:255:y:2025:i:c:s0165176525003167
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2025.112479
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Naseh, Mitra & Ilea, Passion & Aldana, Adriana & Sutherland, Ian, 2023. "Family separation as an oppressive tool: A scoping review of child separation from the primary caregiver as the result of migration policies," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).
    2. Henrik Kleven & Camille Landais & Jakob Egholt Søgaard, 2019. "Children and Gender Inequality: Evidence from Denmark," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 11(4), pages 181-209, October.
    3. Dreby, Joanna, 2015. "U.S. immigration policy and family separation: The consequences for children's well-being," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 245-251.
    4. Kim M. Sønderskov & Peter T. Dinesen & Bertel T. Hansen & Søren D. Østergaard & Bolette Danckert, 2021. "Terrorism in the country of origin is linked to deterioration in the mental health of refugees," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 5(11), pages 1555-1561, November.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • F51 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Conflicts; Negotiations; Sanctions

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