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Estimating the impact of social isolation on subjective health in Europe

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  • Emiliano Sironi

    (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
    Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore)

  • Amelie Nadine Wolff

    (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore)

Abstract

We investigate the relationship between social isolation and subjective health, considering that this relationship is potentially affected by endogeneity due to the presence of self-reported measures. Thus, if an increase in social isolation may impact the perception on health, alternative paths of causality may also be hypothesized. Using data from round 7 of the European Social Survey, we estimate an instrumental variable model in which isolation is explained as being a member of an ethnic minority and having experienced some serious family conflicts in the past. Our results confirm that changes in social isolation influence subjective general health. In particular, greater isolation produces a strong and significant deterioration of the perceived health status. With respect to the literature on social isolation and health, we try to advance it by supporting a path of causality running from social isolation to subjective health.

Suggested Citation

  • Emiliano Sironi & Amelie Nadine Wolff, 2021. "Estimating the impact of social isolation on subjective health in Europe," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 55(6), pages 2087-2102, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:qualqt:v:55:y:2021:i:6:d:10.1007_s11135-021-01097-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s11135-021-01097-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Svenja Damberg & Lena Frömbling, 2022. "“Furry tales”: pet ownership’s influence on subjective well-being during Covid-19 times," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 56(5), pages 3645-3664, October.

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