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International Journal of Public Health

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01-09-2020 | Affective Disorder | Original article

Is trade a blessing or a curse? A panel data analysis of the determinants of depressive disorders

Authors: Yu-Chun Lin, Yu-Hung Chang, Huang-Ting Yan

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 7/2020

Abstract

Objectives

Given the speculation of the market economy causing an epidemic of depression, this study aimed to examine the influence of international trade on the prevalence of depressive disorders.

Methods

We used panel data from 1993 to 2015 covering 170 countries (n = 3787) and applied fixed effects regression models. We modeled the prevalence of depressive disorders as a function of international trade, adjusting for economic development, economic growth, and population size. Regime types, media freedom, and capital–labor ratio were included as moderators.

Results

A 100% point increase in the value of international trade indicated a 0.09% point decrease in the prevalence of depressive disorders (− 0.09, confidence interval [CI] − 0.01 to − 0.18). However, this effect existed only for democratic countries (− 0.15, CI − 0.03 to − 0.28). The effect was more prevalent when the governments allowed the media more freedom (score of 100, − 0.31, CI − 0.17 to − 0.45) or when a country’s capital–labor ratio of endowments was high (50,000, − 0.22, CI − 0.08 to − 0.35).

Conclusions

Trade brings about positive mental health outcomes in democracies, countries having free media, or capital-abundant economies.

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Title: Is trade a blessing or a curse? A panel data analysis of the determinants of depressive disorders
Authors: Yu-Chun Lin
Yu-Hung Chang
Huang-Ting Yan
Publication date: 01-09-2020
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Affective Disorder
Affective Disorder
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 7/2020
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-020-01410-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Is trade a blessing or a curse? A panel data analysis of the determinants of depressive disorders

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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