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Project-induced migration and depression: A panel analysis

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  • Hwang, Sean-Shong
  • Cao, Yue
  • Xi, Juan

Abstract

The study examines the mental health consequences of involuntary migration resulting from the world's largest dam project in China. Past claims of a causal link between migration and mental health are inconclusive because they have been based mainly on retrospective data and, therefore, are plagued by a plethora of methodological problems. This study addresses these problems by analyzing the pre- and post-migration changes in depression measured by the CES-D scale with data collected using face-to-face interviews from a sample (n = 1530 for the initial survey and 1070 for the follow-up) consisting of both migrants and non-migrants. Changes in CES-D were analyzed using 'the difference model', an analytical strategy which is agreed by methodological experts as "the method of choice" in establishing causal relationship in quasi-experimental research. Our results provide strong support to the claim that forced migration elevates depression not only directly, but also indirectly by weakening the psychosocial resources that safeguard migrants' mental well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Hwang, Sean-Shong & Cao, Yue & Xi, Juan, 2010. "Project-induced migration and depression: A panel analysis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 70(11), pages 1765-1772, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:70:y:2010:i:11:p:1765-1772
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    1. Xia, Bingqing & Qiang, Maoshan & Chen, Wenchao & Fan, Qixiang & Jiang, Hanchen & An, Nan, 2018. "A benefit-sharing model for hydropower projects based on stakeholder input-output analysis: A case study of the Xiluodu Project in China," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 341-352.
    2. Cao, Yue & Hwang, Sean-Shong & Xi, Juan, 2012. "Project-induced displacement, secondary stressors, and health," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 74(7), pages 1130-1138.
    3. Korah, Prosper Issahaku & Nunbogu, Abraham Marshall & Cobbinah, Patrick Brandful & Akanbang, Bernard Afiik Akanpabadai, 2019. "Analysis of livelihood issues in resettlement mining communities in Ghana," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 1-1.
    4. Abera Bekuma Magenta & Tesfaye Rebuma Abdeta, 2024. "Practices, Challenges and Opportunities of the Rural Resettlement Programme in Improving the Livelihoods of Resettled Households: The Case of Nono District, West Shoa Zone, Oromia Regional National St," International Journal of Politics & Social Sciences Review (IJPSSR), International Journal of Politics & Social Sciences Review (IJPSSR), vol. 3(II), pages 1-16.

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