Labour market status and depression in Russia: A longitudinal study, 2011-2017

Area of Science:

• Socioeconomic impacts of mental health
• Labor economics
• Public health in Russia

Background:

• The relationship between employment status and mental health is complex.
• Previous research has not longitudinally examined this link in Russia.
• Understanding causality is crucial for effective policy interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To longitudinally investigate the relationship between depression and labor market participation in Russia.
• To identify the impact of unemployment on mental distress.
• To explore the causal mechanisms underlying this association.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Russia Longitudinal Monitoring Survey - Higher School of Economics (2011-2017).
• Employed random-effects regression models to analyze employment conditions and mental distress.
• Differentiated between selection effects and direct causation.

Main Results:

• Unemployment and labor market inactivity are significant predictors of depression and nervous breakdown.
• The study found that mental distress is a stronger predictor of unemployment than vice versa.
• Causality predominantly runs from mental distress to adverse labor market outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest a dominant selection effect where mental distress influences employment status.
• Anti-stigma campaigns targeting employers and the public are recommended.
• Challenging perceptions of mental disorders may improve mental healthcare and reduce unemployment in Russia.