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Implications of the Decline in LGBT Rights for Population Mental Health: Evidence from Polish “LGBT-free zones”

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  • Chad Meyerhoefer
  • Bingjin Xue
  • Anna Poznańska

Abstract

We investigate the consequences of anti-LGBT laws in Poland for suicide attempts and fatalities by applying border-area difference-in-differences models to county-level data. We find that annual suicide attempts increased by 16%, or 5 attempts per 100k capita, after the enactment of anti-LGBT statutes. This rise in suicide attempts was concentrated among men, and was associated with 11 additional suicides per 100k individuals aged 30-49. We also find an increase in suicide attempts in areas that deliberated, but subsequently rejected anti-LGBT resolutions, providing evidence that stigmatization of minority groups leads to declines in population mental health.

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  • Chad Meyerhoefer & Bingjin Xue & Anna Poznańska, 2023. "Implications of the Decline in LGBT Rights for Population Mental Health: Evidence from Polish “LGBT-free zones”," NBER Working Papers 31702, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:31702
    Note: EH POL
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    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • K38 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Human Rights Law; Gender Law; Animal Rights Law

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