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on Economics of Happiness |
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Issue of 2026–05–11
three papers chosen by Viviana Di Giovinazzo, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca |
| By: | Hunt Allcott; E. Jason Baron; Thomas Dee; Angela L. Duckworth; Matthew Gentzkow; Brian Jacob |
| Abstract: | Schools across the U.S. have sharply restricted student use of phones during the school day. We evaluate one type of restriction—lockable phone pouches—using nationwide data combining large-scale surveys, GPS pings, standardized test scores, and school administrative records, along with sales records from the largest pouch provider. Using a staggered difference-in-differences design, we find that pouch adoption substantially reduces phone use as measured by GPS pings and teacher reports. In the first year after adoption, disciplinary incidents increase and student subjective well-being falls, consistent with short-term disruption. However, effects on well-being become positive in later years and disciplinary effects fade. For academic achievement, average effects on test scores are consistently close to zero. High schools see modest positive effects, particularly in math, while middle schools see small negative effects. We find little evidence of effects on school attendance, self-reported classroom attention, or perceived online bullying. |
| JEL: | I28 I31 L86 |
| Date: | 2026–04 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:35132 |
| By: | Zexuan Wang (LIRAES (URP_ 4470) - Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Recherche Appliquée en Economie de la Santé - UPCité - Université Paris Cité); Jonathan Sicsic (LIRAES (URP_ 4470) - Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Recherche Appliquée en Economie de la Santé - UPCité - Université Paris Cité); Pauline Chauvin (LIRAES (URP_ 4470) - Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Recherche Appliquée en Economie de la Santé - UPCité - Université Paris Cité, SUAD_SAFIR - SUAD - Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, SUAD - Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi) |
| Abstract: | Context: There is growing recognition of the importance of measuring wellbeing based on individuals' capabilities, rather than focusing solely on health outcomes when evaluating health and social care interventions. The ICEpop Capability Measure for Adults (ICECAP-A) operationalizes this approach by assessing five core dimensions of capability well-being. Capability value sets for ICECAP-A have already been developed in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Hungary.Methods: This study aims to establish the first French value set for the ICECAP-A. We conducted an online, self-administered survey with a representative sample of the French general population (N = 3, 546). Respondents completed a series of profile-case best-worst scaling tasks. Preferences for ICECAP-A attributes were analyzed using a scale-adjusted latent class best-worst choice model, which accounts for heterogeneity in choice behavior.Results: A latent class model with four classes provided the best fit to the data. The first class displayed a strong preference for Autonomy. The second class expressed relatively balanced preferences across all capabilities. The third and fourth classes prioritized respectively Enjoyment and Attachment; however, the fourth class did not value Stability. Based on these findings, a capability value set was estimated for the French population. At the aggregate level, Attachment and Enjoyment emerged as the most important capabilities, followed by Autonomy, Stability, and Achievement.Conclusion: This study presents the first ICECAP-A value set for France. It can be applied in economic evaluations and policy decision-making to better reflect well-being beyond traditional health related outcomes. |
| Keywords: | Best-Worst Scaling Capability Approach Well-Being, Best-Worst Scaling, Capability Approach, Well-Being |
| Date: | 2026–04–17 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05600480 |
| By: | Shin, Seonho (Ajou University & IZA) |
| Abstract: | The impact of sudden asylum seeker inflows on host residents’ mental health is largely unexplored. The present study addresses this research gap and provides the first causal evidence from the non-Western context by exploiting the unexpected influx of Yemeni asylum seekers to Jeju Island, South Korea. The influx affected the island ‘locally’ due to its region-specific visa-free entry policy and the host government’s immediate restrictions on the asylum seekers’ post-arrival cross-region movement off the island. Such a unique combination of entry policy, post-arrival containment, and geographic separation provides a well-defined quasi-experimental setting for causal investigation. Difference-in-differences estimates based on nationally representative, government-collected data suggest that the influx shock worsened host residents’ mental health outcomes—with higher depression and anxiety and lower life satisfaction. Furthermore, this study provides the evidence on the possible mechanisms linking the influx to hosts’ mental health, revealing heightened public safety worries and diminished trust in government. |
| Keywords: | asylum seekers, refugees, host residents, mental health, life satisfaction, difference-in-differences |
| JEL: | F22 I12 |
| Date: | 2026–04 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18586 |