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Exploring the Association between Welfare State and Mental Wellbeing in Europe: Does Age Matter?

Abstract

Previous research reports show mixed results regarding the age gradient in population mental wellbeing, which may be linked to the role that welfare states play. In this study, we investigate whether an age gradient exists in relation to the association between welfare state and mental wellbeing within the adult population in Europe. We combine individual level data from Round 6 of the European Social Survey and country level data on welfare state and use multilevel regression analyses to explore population mental wellbeing. Subjective and psychological wellbeing dimensions were analyzed, and different approaches to measuring welfare state were explored, including a regime typology and composite welfare state measures constructed on the basis of a set of eight individual indicators. We found the age gradient for mental wellbeing to differ between welfare states, with the positive impact of the welfare state increasing with age. A universal and generous welfare state seems to be particularly important for older adults, who are also more likely to be in higher need of transfers and services provided by the welfare state.
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Category

Academic article

Language

English

Author(s)

  • Jorid Kalseth
  • Valeria Donisi
  • Marta Miret
  • Anna K. Forsman
  • Johanna Cresswell-Smith

Affiliation

  • SINTEF Digital / Health Research
  • Finland
  • Åbo Akademi University
  • University of Verona
  • Autonomous University of Madrid

Year

2022

Published in

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH)

ISSN

1661-7827

Volume

19

Issue

17

View this publication at Norwegian Research Information Repository