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Globalisation and mental health: is globalisation good or bad for mental health? Testing for quadratic effects

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 December 2023

Saqib Amin Open the ORCID record for Saqib Amin [Opens in a new window]
Saqib Amin*
Affiliation:
The Department of Economics, Accounting and Finance, Oulu Business School, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4600, Oulu, FIN-90014, Finland
*
Email: Saqib.amin@oulu.fi
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Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between globalisation and mental health by using the global dataset of high-, middle-, and low-income countries for the period 1970–2020. Although the consequences of globalisation on general health have been extensively studied, limited attention has been paid to investigating the implications on mental health. To show robustness, globalisation has been divided into three main dimensions such as economic globalisation, political globalisation, and social globalisation while, mental health has been classified through various indicators, i.e., mental disorder, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder. The study used panel fixed effect techniques to demonstrate the quadratic effects of globalisation on mental health. A U-shaped curve relationship between globalisation (including economic, political, and political globalisation) and mental disorders, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders was identified. However, findings also indicate an inverted U-shaped curve relationship between globalisation and mental health for high-income countries and a U-shaped curve relationship for middle- and low-income countries. Prioritizing mental health is crucial for overall well-being and productivity. Furthermore, a comprehensive policy implementation is strongly recommended to protect societies from mental distress when a country plans to expand globalisation worldwide.

Keywords

globalisationmental healthmental disordersanxiety disordersdepressive disorders

JEL classification

F60: General C33: Panel Data Models • Spatio-temporal Models I1: Health F1: Trade
Type
Article
Information
Health Economics, Policy and Law , Volume 19 , Issue 1 , January 2024 , pp. 119 - 150
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press

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