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The Effect of Superstition on Health: Evidence from the Taiwanese Ghost Month

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  • Martin Halla
  • Chia-Lun Liu
  • Jin-Tan Liu

Abstract

Superstition is a widespread phenomenon. We empirically examine its impact on health-related behavior and health outcomes. We study the case of the Taiwanese Ghost Month. During this period, which is believed to increase the likelihood of bad outcomes, we observe substantial adaptions in health-related behavior. Our identification exploits idiosyncratic variation in the timing of the Ghost Month across Gregorian calendar years. Using high-quality administrative data, we document for the period of the Ghost Months reductions in mortality, hospital admissions, and births. While the effect on mortality is a quantum effect, the latter two effects reflect changes in the timing of events. These findings suggest potential benefits of including emotional and cultural factors in public health policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Martin Halla & Chia-Lun Liu & Jin-Tan Liu, 2019. "The Effect of Superstition on Health: Evidence from the Taiwanese Ghost Month," NBER Working Papers 25474, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:25474
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    Cited by:

    1. Andy L. Chou, 2022. "Fortunes and misfortunes of the dragon sons: Direct and cohort effects of superstition on education attainment," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 75(4), pages 564-579, November.
    2. Huang, Yin-Siang & Chiu, Junmao & Lin, Chih-Yung & Robin,, 2022. "The effect of Chinese lunar calendar on individual investors' trading," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    3. repec:cup:judgdm:v:15:y:2020:i:5:p:756-782 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Evgeny A. Antipov & Elena B. Pokryshevskaya, 2020. "Impact of superstitious beliefs on the timing of marriage and childbirth: Evidence from Denmark," Judgment and Decision Making, Society for Judgment and Decision Making, vol. 15(5), pages 756-782, September.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • Z12 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Religion

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