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Economic growth and mental health in 21st century China
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Economic growth and mental health in 21st century China

Qing Wang and José A. Tapia Granados
Social science & medicine (1982), v 220, pp 387-395
Jan 2019
PMID: 30529490

Abstract

China Cognition impairment Depression symptoms Economic growth Life dissatisfaction
Though there are many inconsistencies in the literature, in market economies periods of economic growth, i.e., expansions, have been generally found associated with better mental health than economic contractions, i.e., recessions. This study investigates the association of economic conditions and mental health in China using three consecutive surveys of a cohort of over 17,000 adults aged 45 or older interviewed in 2011–12, 2013, and 2015 for the CHARLS study, totaling over 42,000 observations. Mental health was assessed by indicators of depression symptoms, cognition impairment, and life dissatisfaction. We found higher rates of GDP growth per capita associated with a deterioration of mental health, manifested by higher scores of depression symptoms, cognitive impairment, and life dissatisfaction. The effects were small in size, quite similar in men and women and were modified by level of income, with the population of lower income being the most harmed by economic growth. •Economic growth is associated with a deterioration of mental health in China.•The effects are small in size, quite similar in men and women.•Individuals with low income are the most harmed by economic growth.

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59 citations in Scopus

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being
#5 Gender Equality
#1 No Poverty
#10 Reduced Inequalities
#8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
International collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Social Sciences, Biomedical
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