Unstable Income, Rising Stress? The Effects of Income Instability on Psychological and Physiological Health
Study ID sspp-2024-0047-v1
General Details
Project
Unstable Income, Rising Stress? The Effects of Income Instability on Psychological and Physiological Health
Study ID sspp-2024-0047-v1
Study Title
Unstable Income, Rising Stress? The Effects of Income Instability on Psychological and Physiological Health
Authors
Schofield, Heather, Somville, Vincent, Carvalho, Leandro, de Walque Damien, Wei, Jingyao, Grandstaff, Nicholas
Completion Time
10 Minutes
Close Date (UTC)
April 15, 2025
Discipline
Economics
Field
Development Economics, Behavioral Economics
Country
Ghana
Abstract
To explore the relationship between income stability and health, we will run a randomized experiment in northern Ghana. To accomplish this goal, the study will provide temporary employment for low-income individuals during the lean season, when work is scarce. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the four arms which vary whether the number of work hours vary over time and whether they vary predictably or unpredictably. The study will enroll 2,267 participants for 12 weeks (i.e. 6 periods) with an additional follow-up survey occurring 4 weeks after the conclusion of the active study phase. We hypothesize that all treated participants will experience gains in mental health relative to the control (given the increased income), but that the gains will be largest among the arm receiving stable and predictable work and lowest in the arm receiving unstable and unpredictable work.
Citation
Schofield, , Heather, , Somville, , Vincent, , Carvalho, , Leandro, , Damien, de Walque, Wei, , Jingyao, , Grandstaff, , and Nicholas. 2024. "Unstable Income, Rising Stress? The Effects of Income Instability on Psychological and Physiological Health." Social Science Prediction Platform. November 10.
https://socialscienceprediction.org/s/dab068
Download Qualtrics File