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Are recessions bad for loneliness

Bibliographic Data

ID4601941
AuthorsJohannes S Kunz (0000-0003-3289-5147, Monash University), Trong-Anh Trinh (0000-0003-3347-8804, Monash University), Trong‐Anh Trinh (0000-0001-8102-7122), Matthew Berk (0000-0002-5554-6946, Deakin University), Arul Earnest (0000-0003-2693-5034, Monash University), Lidia Engel (0000-0002-7959-3149, Monash University), Matthew Hamilton (0000-0001-7407-9194, Monash University), Laura Hayes (0000-0003-2109-6091, Mind Australia), Long Khanh-Dao Le (0000-0002-9442-6824, Monash University), M H Lim (0000-0002-4136-5909, The University of Sydney), Michelle Lim (0000-0002-0559-0113), Fikru Rizal (Monash University), Helen Skouteris (0000-0001-9959-5750, Monash University), Michael A Shields (0000-0002-3758-9993, Monash University), Cathrine Mihalopoulos (0000-0002-7127-9462, Monash University)
Year2025
Volume384
Pages118500
Publication date2025-11-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial Science & Medicine (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0277-9536 • E-ISSN: 1873-5347
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118500
PMID40902238
OpenAlexW4413581478
LanguageEN
References cited41

Loneliness is a pressing public health concern with significant economic, health and social consequences. This paper examines the impact of economic downturns, particularly unemployment and job loss perception, on loneliness in Australia. Using a fixed-effects panel regression applied to 19 waves of data, we find that unemployment is significantly linked to an increased likelihood of experiencing loneliness and other dimensions of social health, with the effects of unemployment on loneliness persisting for several years. Perceived job insecurity also contributes to social health deterioration, further emphasising the psychological impact of economic instability. Our estimates point towards the effects being especially strong among individuals with chronic health conditions or mental disorders, who may face added health-related costs and other stressors that exacerbate loneliness. These findings highlight the need to consider policies and programs that support social well-being during economic downturns, particularly for those at heightened risk

Demographic economics · Economics · Keynesian economics · Loneliness · Recession · Sociology · Employment and Welfare Studies · Global Health Care Issues · Medicine · Psychology · Retirement, Disability, and Employment · Social Psychology

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