Economic Security, Social Cohesion, and Depression Disparities in Transitional Societies: A Comparison of China and Russia

• In Event: 277 - Regular Session. Advancing Research on Mental Health Disparities

Abstract

Although both China and Russia have experienced several decades of market reform, this structural change appears to have compromised mental and physical health among the Russian population but not the Chinese population. Using data from the World Health Organization (WHO) Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (2007-2010), this study examines the disparity in depression between older adults (age 50+) in China and their Russian counterparts, all of whom experienced market transition in the prime of their lives (N=16,857). Results show that the lower level of depression among Chinese respondents is attributable to higher levels of economic security and social cohesion, as well as stronger effects of economic and social resources on depression. In contrast, being more health-optimistic is likely a minor factor in the cross-national depression gap. The study advances the understanding of global/comparative mental health by considering the effects of macro-level social, economic, political, and cultural conditions.

Author

• Ning Hsieh, University of Chicago