Understanding the impact of travel on wellbeing: evidence for Great Britain during the pandemic.

MAMATZAKIS, emmanuel and MAMATZAKIS, E (2022): Understanding the impact of travel on wellbeing: evidence for Great Britain during the pandemic.

Abstract

This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 on the wellbeing of individuals in Great Britain, as measured by life satisfaction and happiness, by analysing the dramatic drop in travel during this time. The Bayesian VAR model considers a range of exogenous and endogenous variables, including COVID-19, modes of transportation, and wellbeing variables. Results indicate that shocks in COVID-19 have a negative impact on travel, which subsequently affects wellbeing. However, there is limited evidence to suggest that COVID-19 responses to shocks in various forms of transportation have a significant impact on COVID-19 outcomes. Additionally, the study provides forecasts for key endogenous variables, which can inform evidence-based policymaking during the pandemic. The study emphasizes the importance of considering the relationship between travel and wellbeing amidst the pandemic and highlights the need for policies that balance the public health risks of travelling with the benefits of mobility and travel for wellbeing.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Wellbeing; Travel in Great Britain; Covid 19; Bayesian VAR.
• Subjects: I - Health, Education, and Welfare > I0 - General; M - Business Administration and Business Economics ; Marketing ; Accounting ; Personnel Economics > M0 - General; Z - Other Special Topics > Z0 - General

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