Economic growth and mental health in 21st century China

Abstract

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.