Crisis-induced depression, physical activity and dietary intake among young adults: Evidence from the 9/11 terrorist attacks

Yang Wang and Muzhe Yang

Economics & Human Biology, 2013, vol. 11, issue 2, 206-220

Abstract: Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we provide evidence that young adults respond to crisis-induced depression by exercising less and having breakfast less often. Exogenous variation in the crisis-induced depression is obtained through a unique event in our sample period – the 9/11 terrorist attacks. We compare those who were interviewed just before and just after 9/11 and find a significant and sharp increase in the symptoms of depression. We also provide evidence that this increase is not a September effect, but an effect of the external traumatic event.

Keywords: 9/11; Depression; Physical activity; Dietary intake; Young adults (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I10 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:ehbiol:v:11:y:2013:i:2:p:206-220

DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2012.08.001

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