Asian “Chilling Effect” during the Pandemic: What Can We Learn from Reported Health Status?

Abdihafit Shaeye and Ruth Uwaifo Oyelere

AEA Papers and Proceedings, 2026, vol. 116, 624-629

Abstract: There is documented evidence that the origin of the COVID-19 virus in Asia led to increased discrimination and xenophobia toward individuals of Asian descent, resulting in an unprecedented rise in anti-Asian hate during the pandemic. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we estimate the impact of this treatment on self-reported health. We find that COVID-19-induced discrimination generated a “chilling effect,” leading to a relative decline in the health status of Asians/Pacific Islanders compared with comparable non-Hispanic Whites from the onset of the pandemic. These results are robust across alternative health measures and explanations.

JEL-codes: I12 J15 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1257/pandp.20261125

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