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Health and Health Inequality during the Great Recession: Evidence from the PSID

Author

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  • Chenggang Wang

    (Department of Economics, University of Hawaii)

  • Huixia Wang

    (Hunan University, School of Economics and Trade)

  • Timothy J. Halliday

    (University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Economics, University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization, IZA)

Abstract

We estimate the impact of the Great Recession of 2007-2009 on health outcomes in the United States. We show that a one percentage point increase in the unemployment rate resulted in a 7.8-8.8 percent increase in reports of poor health. In addition, mental health was adversely impacted. These effects were concentrated among those with strong labor force attachments. Whites, the less educated, and women were the most impacted demographic groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Chenggang Wang & Huixia Wang & Timothy J. Halliday, 2017. "Health and Health Inequality during the Great Recession: Evidence from the PSID," Working Papers 201703, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:hai:wpaper:201703
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    File URL: http://www.economics.hawaii.edu/research/workingpapers/WP_17-03R.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Great Recession; Health Behaviors; Health Outcomes; Inequality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I0 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - General
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality

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