Pandemic Policy and Life Satisfaction in Europe

Andrew E. Clark (1, 2) , Anthony Lepinteur (3)

1 PSE - Paris School of Economics
2 PJSE - Paris Jourdan Sciences Economiques
3 Uni.lu - Université du Luxembourg

We use data from the COME-HERE longitudinal survey collected by the University of Luxembourg to assess the effects of the policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic on life satisfaction in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Sweden over the course of 2020. Policy responses are measured by the Stringency Index and the Economic Support Index from the Blavatnik School of Government. Stringency is systematically associated with lower life satisfaction, controlling for the intensity of the pandemic itself. This stringency effect is larger for women, those with weak ties to the labor market, and in richer households. The effect of the Economic Support is never statistically different from zero.

Mots clés: COVID-19; Life satisfaction; Policy stringency; Economic support

Domaines: Economies et finances

Andrew E. Clark, Anthony Lepinteur. Pandemic Policy and Life Satisfaction in Europe. Review of Income and Wealth, In press, ⟨10.1111/roiw.12554⟩. ⟨halshs-03467211⟩