Beyond financial hardships: Exploring the effects of unemployment and low wages on psychological health in India

Abstract

This paper examines the effects of unemployment and low wages on mental health in India. The analysis applies cross-sectional data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), 2017–18. Seven different indicators of psychological distress are used. The relationships are estimated using the ordered polytomous logistic regression technique. Controlling for several individual characteristics, unemployed individuals are found to suffer higher odds of mental distress. Low wages increase the likelihood of higher life dissatisfaction levels. Compared to low-wage and out-of-labour-force individuals, unemployed individuals are at a higher risk of suffering psychological issues, implying that individuals do not voluntarily select unemployment over a low-paid job. The results also suggest that men are more affected by unemployment and low wages than women. These findings are largely similar to studies in Britain and Germany. In addition, the age group of 20–45, followed by 46–55, seems to be the most vulnerable to labour market outcomes.